A sign of things to come...

As an intern, I have faced a number of interesting challenges, both personally and professionally. When I moved to Nebraska, I was comforted by the fact I had an internship and had begun the final chapter of my graduate career. Unfortunately, I was quickly reminded I should not grow too comfortable in my role as an intern, as the year would quickly draw to an end, and I would be faced with yet another choice...what to do for residency.

My search for a postdoctoral residency began approximately one month after I had begun my internship. Unlike the internship application process, however, the search for a residency is more open. Although this sounds like a blessing (and in most ways, it is) it places the burden of responsibility on the seeker. So, I quickly began to develop a plan, which involved talking with previous professors and gathering information from the APPIC website.

Although I was generally open to any possibility, I had one major criterion which had to be met....location. I wanted to be in or as close to Springfield as possible...mostly because of Chris and the many friends I have in the area.

So, the search began. Shortly after this beginning, I was talking with my friend Tessa, who is currently interning with Pathways Community Behavioral Healthcare. She LOVES her internship and the site was accepting applications for residency. So, with some assistance from her, I assembled all necessary application materials and submitted them in late January.

Then, approximately three weeks ago, I received a phone call from the director of training for Pathways. She informed me they were interested in setting up an interview. After much discussion, I was contacted a few days later, and shortly thereafter I completed my first phone interview last Wednesday. This interview went very well, and I received another phone call on Monday, requesting a second interview. The following day, I completed another phone interview...and yet another self-determined success.

And then the good news...the next day (Wednesday), the director of training contacted me and extended an offer for residency, an offer which I happily accepted. In the coming weeks, I will learn the exact location of my placement, although it will likely be in southern Missouri.

So, I am happy to report I am the newest resident for Pathways Community Behavioral Healthcare. I am VERY excited about the possibilities associated with this opportunity, and excited to be moving ALOT closer to home.

The future has alot of promise in store...and I can't wait to see exactly what that entails!!!