Spotlights

Amy Chang

Life is a series of best decisions made, with the information that we have at the time, to the best of our ability.

15-year-old Amy would not believe that in a couple of decades, she would become a doctor. She would have asked, where is North Carolina?

At the time, I had considered becoming a dentist. Then I thought about becoming a competitive motorcycle rider. Surprisingly, my quarter life crisis led to an application to medical school.

Being a doctor is a privilege. You are there to diagnose a heart attack. You are also there to celebrate a patient’s recovery after a stroke. Sometimes, you even discuss goals of care to alleviate the responsibility of a DNR status from a loved one.

Witnessing the resilience, vulnerability, and courage of a person living with chronic disease or undergoing multiple hospitalizations, I am humbled and grateful to share this journey with people who are my patients, especially in eastern North Carolina where we have hard working, honest, and kind people who drive hours to see a physician.

Life is a series of best decisions made, with the information that we have at the time, to the best of our ability.  Becoming an ECU health resident is one of the best decisions I have made, and I am proud to be a resident physician here. It is an honor to serve and learn from the community of eastern North Carolina.

Dr. Swethaa Manickam

Dr. Manickam is one of our many outstanding rising PGY2 residents. She couples matched here at ECU internal medicine with her significant other, Dr. Alexandru Bradu. Since arriving to our program, Dr. Manickam has excelled in all aspects of her career. She has been described by many as hard working, intelligent, dedicated, and a comforting physician to her patients. Recently received our “intern of the year” award at our 2022 graduation ceremony. Dr. Manickam will continue on as one of our stellar new senior residents this upcoming academic year. We look forward to seeing all the other great things she will accomplish, as she strives toward her goal of obtaining a GI fellowship!

Samantha Thomas-Nadler

On my road to VMC, I was influenced to pursue internal medicine. Each patient has a unique story beyond the pathophysiologic processes, diagnoses and treatment regimens. I admired my supervisors who took the time to explain what was going on to the patient. I realized throughout my time in internal medicine that it was not always the treatment that put the patient at ease, but also the communication between the patient and the doctor. I learned that just prescribing was not always the perfect solution. I always want to strive for excellence not only for myself, but also for my future patients. I want to constantly reevaluate myself both as a clinician striving towards perfection and as a person striving towards empathy for my patients.

In Greenville, I saw an opportunity to grow and learn, not only from my colleagues and supervisors but also my patients. At VMC, I knew I had multiple opportunities to be the best physician for my patients. I also felt a great sense of community and friendship within the residency and fellowship program that I felt drawn to.

What I realize now is that life as a physician is not about getting one answer and being satisfied, it is about the challenges and learning opportunities and to never stop learning. Every day is a new journey and chance for me to learn. It is not enough for me to know how to make a diagnosis and provide treatment. I always need to understand the rationale behind a decision that I make so that I may always do what is best for the patient.