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Eloise Weeks, M.D.
Current Role: PGY-3 Resident
Hometown: Memphis, TN
Undergraduate Education: Psychology, B.A. 2002, Emory University, Atlanta GA
Medical Education: M.D., 2006, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN,
Interest in Medicine and Psychiatry
When I consider particular interests that have led me to desire be a physician, I think about my interest in the humanities. I agree with Dr.
Francis Peabody's statement that "one of the essential qualities of the clinician is interest in humanity, for the secret of the care of the patient
is in caring for the patient." Because of this, I sought a liberal arts education at Emory. Humanities drew me out of my narrow individual experience
into a world of ideas and beliefs and taught me to think critically, qualities needed to be a physician. My background in psychology heightened my
understanding of human behavior, the mind and body connection, and development. When I consider my medical education in preparing me to be a
physician, I think about how I gained much more than a knowledge base in regards to diseases, conditions, and treatments. My clinical years taught me
that a patient needs to be treated holistically. Each patient I have been privileged to help treat has taught me that wellness encompasses the total
person. Each birth and each death I have witnessed has taught me how special each individual life is. I have learned how important both gaining your
patient's trust and forming a relationship are to the healing process. I also learned how important teamwork is in regards to treating a patient.
Interest in VCU Residency
I chose VCU for several reasons. First and foremost, teaching
is a priority at VCU. VCU has a “holistic” approach to psychiatry.
Here, rather than focus on only one or two schools of thought,
we are exposed to many. The psychology, biology, and sociology
of disease are all emphasized here. Therefore, you are given
all of the skills necessary to be a well-rounded psychiatrist.
When interviewing here, I was impressed with the collaborations
the department of psychiatry has with state mental hospitals
and community mental health services.
Future Plans
Although I am unsure of my future plans in psychiatry, I am confident that no matter what I choose to specialize in, I will be well-prepared because
of the program here at VCU.
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Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Dept of Psychiatry
Last Update: February, 2008 according to departmental policy
1200 East Broad Street, P.O. Box 980710, Richmond, VA 23298-0710
(804) 828-9157, Email Webmaster
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