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

Kori, appreciate you joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Embarking on the journey of applying to medical school marked the most significant risk in my career, one that initiated the entire trajectory. This decision was not without its apprehensions, primarily rooted in two fundamental concerns. Firstly, I grappled with the fear of potential embarrassment or shame if my application were not accepted. Secondly, the daunting commitment of time required to become a physician weighed heavily on my mind. This path encompassed a minimum of seven additional years, including four years of medical school and, at the very least, three years of residency. The internal deliberations were profound, involving meticulous pros and cons lists, risk and benefit assessments, and seeking opinions from a wide spectrum of individuals, including the barista at my local Starbucks. Eventually, my choice hinged on the decision to trust my intuition, as logic alone could not provide a definitive answer. Consequently, I summoned the courage to submit my application. The outcome was a resounding success, as I was granted admission to medical school, ultimately shaping the course of my career. Always listen to your gut!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I was initially introduced to CanvasRebel/Voyage a few years ago in connection with my organization, Just Breathe Miami. This project is firmly rooted in patient-centric and community-focused awareness initiatives. Just Breathe Miami is dedicated to raising community awareness about pulmonary conditions and providing a platform for patients to connect with others who are navigating similar health challenges.

The organization had been experiencing significant growth, which I found both inspiring and challenging to manage. However, as fate would have it, our plans for the third annual fundraising event were abruptly halted in the spring of 2020, coinciding with the onset of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent national lockdown. The event, originally scheduled for the summer of 2020, was poised to coincide with the completion of my sleep medicine fellowship in June of that year.

The initial lockdown not only thwarted our plans for the Just Breathe Miami event but also thrust me into the midst of one of the most formidable healthcare crises of our time. As a medical professional already graduated from residency and critical care training, I found myself on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, working in the COVID-infested ICU. Over the next six months, I donned hazmat suits meticulously sealed with duct tape, and my workload tripled as a result of the overwhelming number of critically ill patients.

Now, on the other side of the pandemic’s most challenging phase, I am reinvigorated and refocused on my projects. My primary objective remains centered on patient advocacy, aiming to enhance the understanding of living with pulmonary diseases within our community. Additionally, I have developed a keen interest in championing equality for women in the field of medicine.

These are the projects that currently occupy my time and energy, and I am eagerly anticipating the opportunity to share more developments in the near future. Thank you for your continued interest and support in our endeavors.

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

Despite encountering numerous challenges, such as working in the COVID ICU for extended hours, I remain unwavering in my commitment to my profession. I firmly believe that every occupation comes with its share of grievances and unfavorable aspects. Nevertheless, I hold an unshakable passion for the practice of medicine. Currently, I actively engage in the fields of pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine. When trainees who shadow me inquire about my favorite specialty, my response remains consistent – I hold an equal affection for all of them. When choosing my career path I made a very conscious decision to decades-long dedication to master these multiple medical specialties. Deciding to invest so much time was certainly fearful, but I had no other choice because my heart is genuinely invested in what I do.

Undoubtedly, there are days when circumstances do not align with my expectations or encounters leave a bitter taste in my mouth. However, I can assert without reservation that I consider myself fortunate to be in a profession that I believe is the best in the world. I derive immense fulfillment from the knowledge that my work contributes positively to the lives of individuals and the betterment of society as a whole.

The long hours, years of rigorous training, and demanding examinations, in retrospect, are all worthwhile sacrifices. They have afforded me the privilege to engage in a profession that I am deeply passionate about, and I find profound satisfaction in the impact I make every day.

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

Humility is an invaluable trait for becoming an exceptional physician, especially within my field of expertise. It’s tempting to stride confidently through the intensive care unit, basking in the glory of solving a medical mystery or believing oneself to be infallible after saving patient’s life. However, the truth is that fallibility is an unavoidable part of our profession. We won’t always have the right answers, and we certainly don’t possess all the knowledge. Expect corrections from a variety of sources – residents, medical students, nurses, or even non-medical individuals who’ve gleaned information from the internet. Instead of bruising our egos or acting defensive, we should embrace these opportunities for dialogue, engagement, and continuous learning. Though such instances may be infrequent, they are inevitable, and when they occur, respond with grace. Recognize that making errors is a part of our human nature, and welcome corrections as opportunities for growth and improvement.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.justbreathemiami.com
• Instagram: drkoriascher