PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE to Members By Dr. Jessica Triche 2020–2021 NCAFP President
The Insightful Voices of Medical Students I think everyone knows how passionate I am about mentoring students. Yes, having students does change my workflow. I decrease my patient load. I bring more open charts home with me. But ask my husband about how much fun I have with students! There is laughter, sarcasm, music, occasional dancing, and lots of frank discussions. I have learned things about different music genres and how to use Venmo. I think a few students learned about work-life balance. One student even came to my kids awards ceremony during our lunch break! I reached out to former students to hear what they have to say about mentoring. Students are the future of Family Medicine. How can you not commit to having a student after reading about their experiences?
What do you look for in a mentor? Dr. Matthew Drake (PGY2): “I look for someone who, when I see what they’re doing as a physician, as a community member and as someone with a family, I say ‘I want to be like them when I grow up’. I want to engage with someone who is inspiring within medicine, and ideally, would have a path similar to what you would hope to pursue in the future. Accessibility is
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Dr. Triche attended UNC-Chapel Hill for undergraduate studies and attended medical school at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University. She completed her residency training at Moses Cone Family Medicine in Greensboro, NC, where she served as Co-Chief Resident. Dr. Triche is married and has two sons and enjoys life on the water in Bath, NC. She is currently working at Vidant Family Medicine-Chocowinity located in Chocowinity, NC. She enjoys seeing a variety of patients, as well as teaching medical students. She is a graduate of both Vidant's Physician Leadership Institute as well as the North Carolina Medical Society Foundation's Leadership College. Dr. Triche also completed their Health Care Leadership and Management (HCLM) Program in 2018. She is currently involved in several leadership roles within the Vidant system. She also serves on the Beaufort County Board of Health.
also key. A good mentor should be easy to reach out to, and help you reach decisions regarding a practice, a residency program, or another life or career choice.” Stephanie Wilcher (M4): “I look for characteristics that I see in myself and characteristics that I wish to have. Mainly, humor, authenticity, empathy, love, and kindness. Also, selflessness and self-determination. All of the mentors I’ve really connected with have been incredibly kind, strong, and hilarious women.” Tulsi Patel (M4): “I look for someone knowledgeable in their field and passionate about using their own experience to advise and support others more junior than them. Mentors that have pushed me outside of my comfort zone have been the most influential towards my personal development. I look for someone I can connect with professionally, but also casually in a more relaxed manner.”
The North Carolina Family Physician
