Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dr. Samantha Tall. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Dr. Samantha , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about the best advice you’ve ever given to a client? (Please note this response is for education/entertainment purposes only and shouldn’t be construed as advice for the reader)

When I was a medical student rotating through my clerkships I was tasked with traveling to Gary Indiana for my psych rotation. I remember not wanting to drive from Nashville to Indiana because one my car sucked but two I had ptsd because my best friend in med school died the month previously in a car crash. Luckily I had an amazing classmate who I was able to car pool with. I just remember at that time in my medical journey being severally depressed and like the pressures of perfectionism for board exams/ residency applications did not give me enough time to grieve and heal. During my Psych rotation I met a lot of patients who were just regular people like myself, sane but overwhelmed by the actions of others and the inability to heal. One time in a group session that I was allowed to sit in on I decided to participate. Told them on the surface level of how school was stressful and how I was healing from grief. One patient turned to me and said “my biggest mistake is allowing people that deserve to be in the psych ward push me to being admitted to the psych ward.” It was the first time in my medical training a patient gave me advice when I had been so used to being on the opposite end. I can’t really explain how but his words snapped me back to recovering from the pressures that my school and medical culture of just moving on from grief had instilled in me. Those words reminded me that I needed time to re engage into the activities I once loved and to not pay much mind to people who can’t spare empathy/ allow people to heal. It’s my responsibility to grow from grief and set boundaries with my career path at times to heal from set backs

Dr. Samantha , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Samantha Tall and I am an Emergency medicine resident physician and fashion model in New York City. I would say my journey into both careers started in college at Emory University where I was pre-med with a focus in Psychology and Linguistics. I would say that in this journey to legitimize myself in two of the most competitive field markets what I’m most proud of is my resiliency and positive attitudes. The journey was not easy and there were several hurdles and unsupportive people. It’s important to know who’s in your corner supporting you and to not give up on yourself most importantly.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

100% would choose the same profession. I am enjoying what I chose and feel mentally well. The Emergency Department, though super chaotic, is where I feel as thought I belong in my vocation of medicine. Being able to treat anyone that walks through the hospital doors is an honor and privilege. The same with modeling, it’s also chaotic in it’s own sense. The personalities of my fellow doctors and models really keeps me reeled in and appreciative of where I am and what I do.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

I’d say passion and empathy. Without those two you cannot really succeed in my opinion. Burnout is very really so its important to choose something you love and that provides enough opportunity and time off to maintain your mental health. You cannot help others/ achieve your own goals if you are not okay so I definitely think passion and empathy can prevent burnout and keep you grounded in the activities/career you choose

Contact Info:

• Instagram: dr.samanthatall
• Linkedin: Samantha Tall
• Youtube: Redheadmed

Image Credits
Brandie Johnson Christopher Millsapp Jay Dezine