Where are you from, where do you work, and how long you have worked there?
Shelly is from Manchester, IA, and I [Scott] grew up in St. Petersburg, FL. We have both worked in a multi-specialty group, The Hannibal Clinic, in Hannibal, MO, for the past 10 years.
How long have you been married, and how were you able to work out a relationship during school/residency?
We will have been married 15 years on May 9. Maintaining our relationship took some creative scheduling of externships during our fourth year, while trying to find an area with multiple good residency programs. Luckily, we both ended up getting residencies in the Detroit, MI, area.
What advice do you have for students in relationships who plan on going into medicine together?
You definitely can make it work. It just may take a little extra work and some flexibility on both ends to make sure you end up together.
What do you feel is (or was) the largest challenge in your work, life, or residency?
The most difficult thing about work is dealing with the government-mandated changes that are currently being implemented in medicine.
What clubs/activities do you remember most from DMU?
I was president of the Foot and Ankle Surgeon’s Club (SCACFAS) during my time there, so that one is special to me. I tried to have a lot of fun during the meetings and activities we planned. Shelly was president of IPMSA during her time at DMU. She enjoyed representing the school at the national meetings she attended.
Do you have a specialization? If so, what is it and why did you choose that?
We are in a fairly rural area so we really have to be able to do anything. I like that we see all ages and pathologies—it keeps things interesting!
What advice would you give to people just starting out in the profession?
The harder you work while you are in school, the more options you will have when it comes to residency selection time. You should select the residency that provides the best overall training you can. It is better to be trained to do everything possible and then be able to select which skills you want to integrate into your eventual practice.
What are some of your goals for the future?
To retire and buy a coffee farm in Maui, Hawaii.
If you were stuck on a desert island, what three things would you bring with you, and why?
Our three beautiful children—Zachary, 9, Jessica, 8, and Natalie, 3. We would be really lost without them!
What are your hobbies?
In my free time I enjoy hunting, fishing, and trapping. Shelly likes to read, scrapbook, and do other arts and crafts projects.
