Joshua K. Beverly, MD, discusses making meaningful change for marginalized populations

Why did you choose to become a physician?

I was attracted to the possibility of being able to make a meaningful change in the lives of the most marginalized persons of our population. The decision was made easier with my preexisting interest in things related to science.

What field of internal medicine did you select and why?

I initially became interested in cardiology when I learned about the physiology and pathophysiology of the heart. More exposure revealed the various approaches that a cardiologist uses in practice including medical, imaging, and procedural.

Please describe a typical day in your practice.

As a trainee, I still have different rotations each month in the wide-ranging subspecialties of cardiology including consults, echo and other imaging modalities, cardiac cath, heart failure, cardiac ICU, electrophysiology, etc.

What are some of your special interests professionally

I personally have a special interest in interventional cardiology and will likely continue my training along that path, but I also have an interest in preventative cardiology, which has the goal of stopping or slowing down the development of cardiovascular disease. I also have an interest in working with underserved urban minority populations.

What are your interests and hobbies outside of medicine?

I like to explore new restaurants, travel, and go on excursions. I also play basketball, write poetry, and box when able.

What advice would you like to share with medical students or what do you wish someone would have told you while you were in medical school?

I would have made it clear to myself that there truly is a lot to learn and much of it, and in some specialties most of it, is learnt in residency and even as a junior attending. Therefore, I should have just focused on getting a strong foundation and not commiserated on missing some details.

Which talent would you most like to have?

I would like to learn how to play the piano. I've played other instruments but have always been attracted to the piano. I believe it'd be a good form of stress relief.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

I was able to go back to an underserved neighborhood that I grew up in and tutor elementary children while I was in college. I have been involved in a lot of impactful experiences, but that is the most personal experience for me.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

Malcolm X. He was a controversial and initially misguided figure, but he went through a transformative process and became a truly compassionate person by the end of his life. I'd like to have unconditional compassion toward others as well.

What is your motto?

The Serenity Prayer. I hope for the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.

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