"Everyone helps each other out here, yet there's enough diversity and difference to make things interesting."

Why psychiatry?
"I started out at Yale in biophysics and biochemistry, then changed to economics. But after I graduated, I realized I'd rather help people every day rather than make economic theories. Then, in medical school, I found myself drawn to psychiatry because I liked listening to people's stories -- finding out their cultural histories and what their lives were like."

Why she finds Duke congenial rather than cutthroat
"I've been surprised by my fellow residents -- many are more well rounded and social than I expected. They're nice, interesting people to hang around with. Everybody helps each other out -- yet there's enough diversity and difference to make for interesting conversations about politics, religion, and so on."

How her rotations have changed her perspective
"We spend our first year at the VA and our second year at John Umstead Hospital in Butner. You learn a lot from the varied patient populations and the high patient volume. At other schools, you might have easier calls, but you won't see as much. And it pays off -- in one year I can already see how much I've learned from these experiences."

How new residents can get the most out of the program
"Lots of things are available here at Duke -- you just have to pursue them. Whatever you're interested in, there's someone here who does it. The faculty are really knowledgeable and accessible, and the chief residents are very organized and willing to listen when you've got issues. I think we work harder than residents of some other programs, but it's your education you're talking about. This is your chance to learn."