Resident Profiles - Deborah M. Stephens, DO, PGY-1

Deborah M. Stephens, DO

Medical School: Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences

"I am unwritten, can't read my mind. I'm undefined. I'm just beginning, the pen's in my hand, ending unplanned,*” the radio sang to me as I drove towards Ohio to start my new life as a resident at Cleveland Clinic. Excited for a challenge and a change, I thought of how I would begin to write the pages of my career as a physician.

"Reaching for something in the distance, so close you can almost taste it,*" the song continues. With around 1000 beds, 120 specialties, and continuous ranking amongst the top hospitals in the nation, I can't think of a more ideal setting to work towards my goals as a physician than Cleveland Clinic. Here, a diverse patient population travels from all over the world for second opinions from the world-renowned physicians at this hospital, which in turn, enhances the case-load for resident education. In addition, opportunities for research and publications are around every corner as the hospital is dedicated to participation in cutting-edge research.

"Live your life with arms wide open.*" The song seems to encapsulate the attitude of residents and supervising physicians here at Cleveland Clinic. Hailing from all over the world, my fellow residents are impressive: Each are bright, caring, and with unique experiences and knowledge to share. Also, the chief residents and attendings all have open-door policies at their offices and encourage us to stop by for any guidance that we may need. Deeply involved with research and education, the staff set aside specific time every day for teaching the residents.

In addition to a world-class hospital and outstanding residents and staff, the city of Cleveland has much to offer. From Lake Erie beaches to art walks in Tremont to nights out downtown, I have thoroughly enjoyed living in this city. And with a large group of new interns, it was easy to find friends with similar interests to share my time outside of work.

When I add all of these features together, I know that I will be a confident, highly-educated, and well-researched physician upon completion of my internal medicine residency here at Cleveland Clinic. And like my story the song ends, "today is where my book begins. The rest is still unwritten.*"

*Bedingfield, Natasha. Unwritten. Unwritten. Hal Leonard, 2005.