Ashley Fellers McKenzie, MD
Internal Medicine Residency
St. Joseph Hospital, Denver, CO
Which residency program are you currently in?
Internal Medicine Residency, St. Joseph Hospital in Denver, CO.
Why did you choose internal medicine?
Internal medicine is a field of detective work: accurately diagnosing a condition is rewarding, particularly when it is a challenge. Second, internal medicine allows for rewarding patient relationships; you have the time to get to know your patients as people, which makes it even more rewarding when you can improve their quality of life.
What lessons did you learn in residency that will help you for the rest of your career?
First, prioritize human interaction. Whether with patients or colleagues, the time you spend with others is what keeps you grounded. Second, it is always okay to ask for help, particularly when it comes to your mental health. Take care of yourself, your colleagues, and your friends.
What are your plans for after residency? What factors or advice from mentors contributed to your decision?
After residency, I am hoping to work as a combination inpatient and outpatient internal medicine physician in New Zealand for 1 year before returning to the United States to complete a rheumatology fellowship. Mentors have reminded me that a career in medicine is long and is not a straight path. The twists and turns help us keep growing.
How has being a member of ACP helped you in your professional life? What resources have been most helpful to you?
I first came to ACP as a medical student through my school’s Internal Medicine Interest Group. I have been hooked since the first meeting, and ACP has truly become my professional home. At the meetings, I love the mentorship events. For online resources, I use both MKSAP and Resolve as I prepare for ABIM and search for future jobs.