Podcast Episode 7: Grand Rounds Round-up: New Hobbies

As has become tradition, at the end of each episode of Thalamus Grand Rounds, we ask our guests if they have adopted a new hobby. During recent years as we’ve all been spending more time at home and given how dynamic and diverse the GME community is, it was no surprise that each of our guests described a different activity. In this special episode, you’ll hear what our guests-to-date have been up to during their free time since the start of the pandemic. These GME leaders have unique hobbies ranging from baking French pastry to sewing a gown for a Bridgerton-themed ball!   

Carey McDonald, MBA, Residency Program Manager for the East Carolina University Department of OB/GYN has become an avid Peloton rider, saying, “I can’t wait to get off work today to go get on my Peloton!”

Timothy Burns, Program Administrator for the University of Vermont Medical Center OB/GYN Residency Program, has found a love of cooking and baking, and has been inspired by unique recipes such as Newfoundland Molasses Raisin Bread. He appreciates the low-stakes nature of baking, because as long as you’re having fun, it’s ok if the result isn’t perfect.

Dawn DeSantis, (prior) Division Administrator, Graduate Medical Education, Department of Pediatrics at the University of Florida, Jacksonville, has reignited her love of exercise. Whether it’s a quick movement break in her living room or a walk outside with her dog, she has found it a crucial part of maintaining her well-being both physically and mentally.

Starla Pathak, Manager of Educational Programs, Department of Orthopedics at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, has become an avid baker of French artisan bread. A neighbor of hers who went to pastry school in France has been teaching her how to make croissants and a range of artisanal baked goods. 

Michelle Gonzalez, Graduate Medical Education/Internal Medicine Program Coordinator for the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital enjoys exploring thrift stores to find used hardcover books. She likes to read motivational books, nonfiction and fiction, and uses reading as a mental health tool. 

Lori Rodefeld, Director of Rural GME Development and Support for the Wisconsin Collaborative for Rural GME has gotten into hiking. She takes full advantage of the natural beauty of Wisconsin, has explored trails in Northern Michigan, and recently went on a trip to Glacier National Park in Montana. 

Kimberley Brown, Fellowship Coordinator at the Department of Anesthesia at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston has been renovating her sewing room. At the time we spoke with her, she was working on a couple of sewing projects including a winter coat and a regency gown which she wore to a Bridgerton-themed ball in April. 

To listen to Episode #7: Grand Rounds Roundup: New Hobbies click here, or find Thalamus Grand Rounds on your favorite podcast platform.

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