Meeting with Dr. Bass

 

    My meeting with Dr. Bass, a board certified physiatrist and mentor, was very motivating. Hearing her describe her journey into physical medicine and rehabilitation helped me better understand the specialty’s level of variety with its blend of neuroscience, musculoskeletal care, and patient-focused recovery. She gave me insightful advice about seeking opportunities early and being proactive in forming connections encouraging me to “get my foot in the door” whenever possible. Our conversation reflected Reflective Autonomy, encouraging me to make independent decisions while staying open to mentorship and guidance. It also fostered Conceptual Agility, revealing how physiatry integrates multiple disciplines to improve quality of life for patients. Dr. Bass’s honesty encouraged me to remain flexible as my interests evolve, while making sure to prioritize my studies. Her background was extremely interesting to me as a lot of our personal experiences that fostered our interest in the field were similar. She her guidance and kind words were immeasurable. 

- Giavonni Whitener