Dr. Sara Healy, September 2018

Each day our community faculty illustrate their commitment to educating future physicians through their passion for teaching and examples of excellence. This month, Nikki Armstrong, MS4, shines a spotlight on Sara Healy, M.D., Pediatric Infectious Disease specialist with Renown Children's Hospital.

This summer, I commenced my electives as a fourth year medical student, the first of which was Pediatric Infectious Disease with Dr. Sara Healy. During a four-week rotation, Dr. Healy helped me appreciate what infectious disease physicians are capable of, and responsible for, in the hospital and their own clinics. I learned new interviewing techniques to use with patients which included asking certain questions I had not previously thought to ask on my own. Although asking about whether the patient's sushi they have for lunch is raw fish or a California roll might seem obscure for many providers, this information can be essential for making a diagnosis in infectious disease. Using my new skills, I saw a variety of patients, from children with septic arthritis to hemolytic uremic syndrome and everything in between. We even went over CDC guidelines for how to diagnose someone with Lyme disease properly, as it is rare in the Reno area but often suspected and misdiagnosed.

One of the most useful learning experiences I had during the rotation was learning where to acquire useful information. Part of this was working with the microbiology team discussing cultures and sensitivities, as well as with the pharmacy team as they work diligently to provide antimicrobial stewardship to the hospital. Also, Dr. Healy provided me with the best books, websites, and people to talk to if I ever have questions about a patient in the future. I know I still have a long journey ahead as a student and a resident. However, my time working with Dr. Healy demonstrated to me that you're never too experienced to learn something valuable, and there are a variety of resources out there to help you along the way.

Thank you, Dr. Healy, for your continued commitment to medical education! You are making a difference and it shows. For her efforts, Dr. Healy will receive a UNR Med vest.