2012-2013 Chief Medical Residents
Drs. Jason Biehl, Dusty Carlson, Sadiya Khan, and Allison Lyons come from different backgrounds, have different clinical and research interests, but share a common role for this upcoming year: they will serve as liaisons between the residents and the Internal Medicine Residency Program leadership team. Let's get to know them!
Left to right: Jason Biehl, Sadiya Khan, Dusty Carlson, Allison Lyons
Jason Biehl
Hometown: Bloomfield Township, MI
Undergraduate: Notre Dame
Medical School: Georgetown
Chief role: Curriculum development and hospital committees
Plans after chief year: Pulmonary/Critical Care medicine fellowship
Dusty Carlson
Hometown: Prairie du Sac, WI
Undergraduate: University of Wisconsin
Medical School: University of Wisconsin
Chief role: VA
Plans after chief year: Gastroenterology fellowship
Sadiya Khan
Hometown: Born in India, has lived in England, New Jersey, and Ohio. Considers Chicago home now.
Undergraduate: Northwestern University
Medical School: Northwestern University
Chief role: Medical Grand Rounds
Plans after chief year: Cardiology fellowship
Allison Lyons
Hometown: Potomac, MD
Undergraduate: Swarthmore College
Medical School: Northwestern University
Chief role: Scheduling
Plans after chief year: Practice general internal medicine in Virginia
Why did you want to be a Chief Medical Resident?
Jason: I’ve always enjoyed medical education, and the role as CMR affords a unique opportunity to not only lead clinical instruction as an attending on service but also during morning report each week. Additionally, we play a large role in recruitment of incoming housestaff which is a unique way of helping continue the tradition of excellence at Northwestern.
Dusty: I thought it would be a great opportunity to enhance and refine my teaching and leadership skills, preparing me for a career in academic medicine.
Sadiya: As an intern starting out in the program and attending morning reports led by the Chief Medical Residents, I remember thinking “what a fun job”.
Allison: I started coaching swimming at 13 and continued throughout college. During residency, I have learned that teaching is a lot like coaching and something I really enjoy. It is very rewarding to see a third or fourth year medical student master material to take care of their patients, and I would like to be involved with medical education for the rest of my career. Being a CMR, you are provided with many opportunities to hone your skills as a teacher.
After three years at Northwestern, how would you describe the program?
Jason: It’s an institution that affords its house-staff first class levels of didactic and clinical instruction, autonomy and research opportunities all while being in a first rate, vibrant and diverse city. Perhaps most importantly, however, Northwestern is comprised of residents, faculty, administration and staff who are excited and proud of the work being done now and in the future. It’s full of energy, making it a fun place to learn and work.
Dusty: Awesome. There’s a great balance of education and service, allowing for a personal life as well. The team mentality throughout the program provides a very supportive culture.
Sadiya: I truly feel that the Internal Medicine Residency Program at Northwestern does a great job in creating an open and inspiring educational environment. The residents are the focus of this program as they explore and develop their personalities and styles as physicians. The faculty and staff work together with the residents to provide excellent patient care in a manner that promotes learning and fun!
Allison: This program really places an emphasis on teamwork and if you ever need assistance another intern or resident is always available. In addition, the fellows and attendings are also supportive as well and always available to teach or discuss a case. Attendings are always willing to have you join their lab or research project and will take you under their wing to provide guidance and support.
What advice do you have for internal medicine applicants?
Jason: I would urge applicants to focus on one main priority: Happiness. Try to find the program and city that affords you a mix of great clinical training, exciting research opportunities, cultural diversity and high quality of life; one that is full of good people with great spirit. When you find a mix of all of these, one that will maximize your happiness, you’ll thrive not only as a doctor but as a person as well.
Dusty: On your interview day, try to envision how you fit in with the personalities of residents you meet. Trust your gut and pick the program that feels right.
Sadiya: “Keep an open mind” This is the best piece of advice that I received when I was started out on the interview trail. I went into each trip trying to see if I could imagine myself in that city or in that hospital. I tried to talk to as many housestaff, faculty, and staff members on each visit to create my impression of the environment and personalities at each location. I also specifically tried to find and speak with residents at each program that had graduated from my medical school to be able to compare and contrast to a known shared environment.
Allison: Talk to as many residents as you can at each program. You are applying to a number of wonderful places and you will want to figure out where you will fit in. It is important to like coming to work every day and to enjoy the people with whom you work. You want your fellow residents to be supportive, considerate people who you respect. By taking the time to have a good conversation with residents, you will get a feel for how well people get along and where you will learn the most.
