Campus A4
The Auburn Plainsman
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Auburn University Medical Clinic doctor Suzanne Graham-Hooker walks with her husband, reads her devotionals, checks lab work, eats breakfast and lectures medical and veterinary students — all before arriving to work Becky Hardy Campus Editor
What are you in charge of? I am in charge of a nurse practitioner and a medical student. The medical students follow me around and actually get really involved with the patients. One week per month, I will stay later than 6 p.m., depending on how many patients come through the door. What is your main area of expertise? Asthma patients and mental health patients. I’m in charge of the mental health program here. Do you take time after work for your patients? If I have really sick patients I will visit them at home. I’ll also check on some students if they’ve had some surgery or have been in the hospital. I’ve had some suicidal patients that have been in the hospital, so I’ll go visit them. Why do you take that extra time for your patients? I’ve gone through all of this stuff with them, so I like to check on them and make sure they’re OK. How many hours per week do you dedicate to your job? Usually 60 hours per week, or sometimes more. Favorite part of the job? I love working with students and teaching. I have been a doctor for 22 years, and I’m at that point in my career where I’ve seen enough sore throats, so I love teaching someone who’s never seen a sore throat, depression or anxiety. Least favorite part of the job? Probably working so many hours. Sometime down the road I would probably
want to cut back as I get older. What do you do to unwind at the end of the day? I make jewelry for people as gifts and to sell for my trip to Ecuador on a mission trip with the nursing school. What made you decide to be a doctor? I wanted to help people. I was actually going to be a school teacher. My mom told me I was smart enough to be a doctor, so I studied medicine. Is there lots of flexibility in your job? Family medicine does everything. When I did women’s health I did everything, but just for women. I missed taking care of men and everyone else, so when I moved to the [ first floor] of the medical clinic I did everything. Who’s your favorite age group to care for? College students because it’s a much more moldable age group. It’s a group that I can teach to change their habits and they’re much more fun. They keep me young and I can be more myself. Some students call me ‘Dr. Mom’ and I love it.
becky Hardy / Campus editor
becky Hardy / campus editor
Graham-Hooker works with nurse practicioner, Skylar Cope, throughout the day.
Graham-Hooke sells jewelry to family and friends to benefit her mission trips to Ecuador.
How do you make time for your family? I try to not do too many activities except for Bible study. My two daughters are in college. I call my daughters every single day, so I’m very much in touch with them. What do you think about Auburn University’s Medical Clinic? This is a nice place to work. We have a clean environment and we have everything here. A lot of people don’t realize how lucky we are because we have availability here to do a lot of things.
Becky Hardy / campus editor
Graham-Hooker decorates her office with chairs and rugs to make the room feel more like home.