IMG Roadmap Series #40: Dr. Michele West (IM to Pathology)

There are very few female physicians who are as open as today’s guest.

Despite always wanting to be a Pathologist she was “coerced” into Internal Medicine.

Unfortunately most Caribbean medical students will be “advised” to choose a relatively “easier-to-match-into” specialty based on what I refer to as in “insecure advice”. The availability of more IM programs across the country makes for more open positions for IMGs.

Now, IM is a great specialty. I would know. I practice hospital medicine as a board certified family physician. But not everyone loves IM and not every IMG should be an internist or a family physician.

Dr. West shares her love for pathology and how an uncomfortable situation got her out from a comfortable place to seek her dream in pathology against all odds.

She started out PGY-1 in Internal Medicine after 13 interviews but only matched via the NRMP’s Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program.

After a horrific experience with a co-worker she resigned from the Internal Medicine program to pursue her true passion in Pathology.

She is the definition of courageous, bold and beautiful! This is the vivacious Dr. West!

Dr. Michelle West is a graduate of the Medical University of the Americas. She completed a Master's Degree in Public Health from Walden University, her undergraduate degree was obtained from Farmingdale State College. She is also a mother of three beautiful children who is thriving through a recent divorce.

Dr. West can be found on instagram at @docbarbiemd. She started a website to help others manage to maintain academic success, while having a family and also enduring some personal challenges along the way. She discuss the many facets of life, as well as, hobbies and interests.

LISTEN TO HER EPISODE ON EITHER PLATFORMS BELOW:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-img-roadmap/id1490731292

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/45NNJ7ewtqynqyssbwm1xz

Google Podcasts:https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9mOGMzY2EwL3BvZGNhc3QvcnNz

Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1490731292/the-img-roadmap-podcast

RadioPublic: https://radiopublic.com/the-img-roadmap-GE0MMg