Stephanie Pockl
“The geriatric population is a special group of people. I enjoy getting to spend time with my patients, meeting their families, and hearing their stories. Our purpose is to help people live as well as possible as they age, which is very meaningful to me.”
Why did you choose the WVU School of Medicine to continue your training?
West Virginia is my home. I’ve been fortunate to learn from patients with diverse backgrounds and a wide variety of medical illnesses. I know that my training will prepare me for independent practice.
What would you tell your MS1 self as you look back on where you started in medical school?
Relax! Trust yourself. Everything will work out and you will figure out the path that is right for you.
What’s been your most memorable experience at WVU or in Morgantown so far?
My most memorable experience is probably attending WVU football games.
What’s next after you complete your training? Where do you hope to practice?
After training, I hope to have a job the combines both geriatrics and palliative care. I hope to continue practicing in the state of West Virginia.
What’s interesting about your specialty?
The geriatric population is a special group of people. I enjoy getting to spend time with my patients, meeting their families and hearing their stories. Our purpose is to help people live as well as possible as they age, which is very meaningful to me.
Does it have any special significance for West Virginia?
Our state has one of the oldest populations in the country, so there is need for geriatric medicine in West Virginia. We hope this fellowship will train more physicians to provide care for older West Virginians.
How would you describe the culture of your program?
Our section is relatively small, so we get to know each other well. There is a lot of support from the multidisciplinary team of geriatrics, palliative medicine and hospice.