As we navigate this new normal, I find that for medical students, especially fourth-year medical students, the journey to residency has changed drastically. I can’t imagine trying to interview and rank institutions based on virtual interactions only. In the spirit of our new normal, I have found many residency programs are now creating Instagram pages and other social media platforms to share more about their program and current residents. It’s scary to think about, but it also opens up doors for something new. It proves to me we are resilient, and we will navigate as best we can with the cards we have been dealt. I was the first PGY-1 Resident Spotlight on our @ummcpsychres Instagram account. So here goes—I thought it would be fun to share a little about me.
My hometown is Columbia, Mississippi—a small rural area in south Mississippi. I went to Mississippi College for undergraduate studies. I went to the University of Mississippi School of Medicine for medical students. I obtained my Master’s in Healthcare Administration through Oklahoma State University Graduate School.
I started my intern year out on Psychiatry Emergency Services and loved it—what a rollercoaster of a month! In August, I spent time at the VA on the Neurology service. Let’s just say, I’m so glad I’m going to a Psychiatrist. Neurology is not my cup of tea.
I’ll share a fun fact about my name. My dad spelled my name wrong on my birth certificate. Legally, it’s “Avani.” But I grew up with “Avni.” Gotta love dads!
My hobbies include all things makeup & fashion, love me some organized medicine (I know, nerd alert—shoutout to the AMA & MSMA), traveling, car fanatic, photography, writing, and most things outdoors.
My favorite things to do in Jackson (where I live and train) are eating with good company (friends & the fam jam) + being in the water as pool time is a must.
My career interests are child & adolescent psychiatry, healthcare administration, organized medicine—American Medical Association, Mississippi State Medical Association, American Psychiatric Association, Mississippi Psychiatry Association, American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.
I chose UMMC for my residency training because this is my home. I know I will get the most incredible clinical training as we have very sick patients, and you can see the impact you make on the community—something that’s very important to me. Impact is powerful. Lastly, I love the people here!
Tell me about you! Stay safe & well during this time! To all the MS-4s out there, I wish you the best of luck—follow your heart. You will find the right program for you.
