Start Year: 2019
Basics
Hometown
Atlanta, GA
Where did you attend college/university?
University of Georgia
Where did you attend medical school?
Emory University School of Medicine
What are your career goals?
I want an open mind during residency, so whatever goals I have at this point are pretty vague. I'd like to work at an academic institution and be involved in teaching. I'm interested in both inpatient and outpatient care, so some combination of the two would be ideal. I'm also increasingly motivated to work in public policy as well.
What did you do the summer before intern year?
My wife and I went to Belize! It was beautiful, and the trip was so relaxing. One of my good friends got married, so I was in his wedding, too.
"Faculty are invested in teaching and care a lot about my education."
-Ryan Slauer
Reflections on the Duke Program
What were you looking for in a residency program?
I was looking for a program with a strong medicine and a strong psychiatry program. I wanted a program that would train me to be a good clinician, but I also hoped for an institution and a city with a culture that would support raising a family.
What are the strengths of the Duke Program?
The clinical training at Duke is robust. Because I'm in Med-Psych, I benefit from an excellent Internal Medicine program and an equally excellent Psychiatry program. The people at Duke are great: residents are charismatic and incredibly smart while also being humble and friendly.
What are your observations about the relationships between faculty and house staff?
Faculty are invested in teaching and care a lot about my education. I've asked more than my fair share of dumb questions, but no one has been anything other than gracious and informative. That's been my impression with other faculty and house staff as well.
Tell us about your co-residents. What has helped you connect, support each other, and form friendships?
It's been really easy to make friends. Our GroupMe was active before anyone even moved here, and there seem to be more events and hangouts than there are nights in the week. The program has sponsored a number of activities also, which has helped us all get to know each other outside of work.
What has surprised you most about Duke?
How much I like Durham! I'm coming from Atlanta, which is a big city with lots to offer. I was afraid Durham may be boring and uneventful by comparison. But my wife and I have discovered plenty of restaurants, parks, and trails (our favorite pastimes). Plus, Chapel Hill and Raleigh aren't far away, and they have plenty of their own to offer.
About Duke University and Durham
What is the best thing about living in Durham and the Triangle?
The benefits of a big city (restaurants, parks, arts) without the costs (traffic, limited parking).
Where did you choose to live and why?
North Durham - we live right on the Eno River, which has miles of trails that feel completely sequestered from civilization.
What advice would you give to someone looking to move to Durham?
You should be able to find what you're interested in pretty easily. Downtown living, suburban living, easy access to outdoors, etc. So be sure to explore all the different areas, because there's quite a variety.
What are your interests outside of medicine?
Faith: my wife and I are Christians and are involved in our church Family: my wife, Rachel, and son, Levi. Also our dog, Emmy. Exercising: trail running, lifting weights, swimming Cocktail-making: you name it, I've tried to make it. Reading, writing, etc.