PM&R Resident Spotlight: Dr. Alicia Phillips
PM&R Chief Resident, Dr. Amanda Day, spearheaded a fun initiative for the community to get to know our residents. The PM&R resident spotlight is on senior resident, Dr. Alicia Phillips!
Why UMN PM&R?
PM&R offered me the opportunity to be everything I was hoping to be as a physician; one who could focus on the quality of life and function, treating patients holistically, taking the time to educate and provide therapeutic options all while working within a team of great people.
UMN was where I graduated Med school. Though I did want to stay in MN, there was nothing more important to me than the people I would be working with. Everyone I met was kind and cared greatly about med student/resident education. I also took a lot of stock into how I felt personally about the PD of each program I interviewed with, and there is none better than Dr. T.
What have been your favorite experiences during your PM&R residency?
I have enjoyed getting to know all of my wonderful co-residents, attendings, and staff at the various sites. Post-Metro Rehab get-togethers at Venn, the laughter during many didactics sessions, and so many other little moments. I loved Dr. Olson's clinic, where I laughed almost as much as I learned. I also loved Dr. Tonkin’s clinic, as he somehow makes teaching seem effortless and this was my primary exposure to ultrasound.
As you graduate, what advice would you give to your fellow PM&R residents?
You have all gotten to where you are because you are smart, motivated, and hardworking so I doubt you need any advice from me. Instead, I will leave you with quotes from one of my favorite authors, Maya Angelou...
- “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better."
- “The question is not how to survive, but how to thrive with passion, compassion, humor and style."
- “When people show you who they are, believe them."
What do you love about Minneapolis and Minnesota?
Minneapolis:
Happy hour on a patio drinking a local microbrew, mojito, or margarita with friends/family/colleagues. Saturday morning at the Midway YMCA with the best yoga teacher ever, Tonya. Living on the riverwalk and all of the green spaces it connects to, which includes being able to bike almost ANYWHERE in the city on some kind of bike path or trail. Being able to walk across the street and row on the river. I have a son and daughter-in-law who live here, so them of course. The local food and drink (so many yummy places).. the chocolate cake at Longfellow grill, cheese curds at the nook, hella totchos at the Blue door, calamari at the Sea Salt and the Gary Cooper at the Hi-Lo, to name a few of my faves. I also love living 15 minutes from the MSP airport so flying anywhere is convenient which means its easier to visit my other two kids and take last-minute trips. Watching the colors of sunset wash across the river and Minneapolis skyline from the Lake St bridge.
Minnesota:
Camping, especially at Bear Head State Park, Gooseberry Falls, and Tettaguche State Park. There is some great climbing at Tettaguche. The swinging bridge at Jay Cooke State Park. I could keep going on, but this is getting long and I need to pack.
What are your post-grad plans?
I am moving to Spokane, Washington with my husband, where I will be working at the Rockwood Clinic. Outpatient care, primarily spine and MSK. We purchased a small midcentury home on the water which I am so excited to move into. Hence the packing.
What are some fun facts about yourself?
- According to my husband, I can plan one heck of a summer party as well as a road trip. I’m usually on board for any hair-brained last-minute ideas my friends may come up with and I tend to have a few of my own.
- I was the only woman representing the US Army in the 4 day International Nijmegen March (1990).
