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U P D A T E S F R O M 2 0 2 0 P G Y -1 sMichael Melson, MDPYG Level:1Describe your experiences so far this year.I’ve completed rotations in Cardiology, and EmergencyMedicine, and I’m currently doing a General Medicinerotation now. Starting on Cardiology was a littleoverwhelming at first, but I feel like it really prepared mewell for the rest of intern year just because of the highturnover. I actually liked the ED a lot more than I thoughtI would. Once you got used to all the stress that comeswith being in the ED, it was actually kind of fun.What have you most enjoyed about this year so far?The thing I’ve enjoyed the most is the satisfaction offinally being able to work as a physician. This is somethingthat I’ve dreamed about for a long time. It’s been nice tofinally be on the other side where I get to help peopleevery day and get to be involved in the decision makingregarding their healthcare.What has challenged you?Adjusting to a new job in a new house in a new stateduring a pandemic has been pretty challenging. It wastough for me and Mackenzi to leave Charleston, butwe’ve taken it step-by-step since moving up here.What has surprised you about Residency life?I’ve actually been fairly surprised at how quickly I’ve beenable to adapt to Intern year and each rotation. I felt like Iwas in a little over my head the first 2 days of Intern year,but I really feel like I’ve gotten the hang of things sincethen and built up a lot of confidence in myself since thattime.Describe the comradery you have experienced sincejoining our residency training program.I’ve been really appreciative of all the PGY-2’s – PGY-4’sthat have reached out during the first few months of4FALL 2020 intern year. The PGY-2’s did a great job of helping us getacclimated to Chapel Hill and UNC. They may not haverealized it, but it made my day when Andi, Steve, andNevin came to check in on me during my first dayon Cardiology.What is your current work-life balance like?I’m still trying to improve my work-life balance. It’s toughduring intern year, but it seems like my work-life balancewill fluctuate a lot depending on the rotation. I’m alreadyon my 2nd general medicine rotation, and it’s toughtrying to do all the things you’d like to do and need to doat home when you’re at the hospital for the majority ofthe week. I’ve started to drop everything right when I gethome to play with Kain and then work out for about 30minutes or so.What are some ways that you de-stress?My favorite ways to distress are through exercise, playingwith my dog, fishing, and watching basketball/football.Exercise and playing with Kain have been my go-to’sduring my first few rotations.How do you like Chapel Hill and the Triangle area?What are some of your favorite things to do inthe area?I really love it up here. I know it’s been pretty hot at timesthis summer, but it’s actually been a little less humid thanI’m used to, which has been nice. I wish we had more ofan opportunity to explore the area, but it’s been toughmoving in the midst of a Pandemic. I’ve explored JordanLake and some of the outdoor recreational activities a lotmore as a result. I’ve gone fishing on my kayak every dayoff for the past month.Name one of your favorite things about the UNCPM&R department.My favorite thing about the UNC PM&R is the kindnessthat everyone has exhibited over these first few months.Every involved in the department has made an effortto make us feel like family since we matched into theprogram.UNC Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Improving Health, Function, and Well-being

U P D A T E S F R O M 2 0 2 0 P G Y -2 sMatthew Sharp, DOPGY Level: 2Describe your experiences so far this year.This year I have completed 1 month of rehab clinic and 1month of inpatient stroke/brain injury service.What have you most enjoyed about this year so far?I have enjoyed performing numerous procedures inclinic. I have also noticed that I am starting to feel moreindependent and confident as a physician with increasedautonomy.What has challenged you?The most challenging part of this year is related toincreased responsibility. For example, it can be stressfulmaking critical decisions for patients that are not familiarwhen on call.What has surprised you about Residency life?I have been pleasantly surprised with how much myquality of life has improved since starting PM&R residencyas compared to intern year. Tremendously easier to learnabout things that I am interested in!Improving Health, Function, and Well-being Describe the comradery you have experienced sincejoining our residency training program.I wouldn’t change my residency class for any reason!We get along so well and frequently spend timetogether outside of the hospital. Overall, I am lucky tohave matched at Chapel Hill because all the residents’personalities fit together. Life would be miserable if theywere boring.What is your current work-life balance like?Work life balance is fantastic. No other specialty beatsPM&R!What are some ways that you de-stress?I de-stress by camping, boating, kayaking, mountainbiking, going to the beach and other outdoor adventureswith my wife and pets.How do you like Chapel Hill and the Triangle area?What are some of your favorite things to do inthe area?The outdoors are my favorite part of living in the triangle.I live south of Chapel Hill and it is a short commute tomany trails, Lake Jordan, Haw River, etc. Also, ChapelHill is perfectly located between the mountains and thebeach. Close enough to family, but also close enough torun away.Name one of your favorite things about the UNCPM&R department.I love how friendly everyone is in the Rehab department.It is so easy to get along with everyone, creating anatmosphere that is therapeutic to both patients andworkers.UNC Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation FALL 20205

U P D A T E S F R O M 2 0 2 0 P G Y -2 sSteven Siano, MDPGY Level: 2Describe your experiences so far this year.So far I’ve completed 2 months of inpatient spinal cordinjury. It’s been a great experience working with all ofour inpatient staff and getting to know the workflow.Additionally, I’ve enjoyed working with this populationand watching them progress throughout theirrehabilitation stay.What have you most enjoyed about this year so far?I’ve enjoyed the transition from intern year to PGY2. It’s incredibly comforting to be in a place wherepeople all have the same goals & work so well together.Rehabilitation is really my passion, so finally getting to bea part of our inpatient rehab program is really enjoyable.What has challenged you?The most challenging adjustment was to the differentlevel of acuity that we can accommodate on our floor.While we do take medically complex patients, it can bechallenge to recognize who can meaningfully participatein three hours of therapy a day and who may not beready quite yet.What has surprised you about Residency life?Residency has been so much more exciting andcollaborative than I had thought. Intern year wassomething that is so often given a negative connotation,but I truly enjoyed rotating through different services andlearning from their perspectives. Additionally, knowingthe other services makes collaboration easier, whichultimately benefits our patients.6FALL 2020 Describe the comradery you have experienced sincejoining our residency training program.I’ve made good friends across the hospital and havebeen fortunate to work with other amazing residents,therapists, nurses, and staff. Everyone brings valuableinput to the table and I appreciate the diverseperspectives. Within our program, I’ve had a greattime working with my co-residents in the hospital andenjoying the area with them outside the hospital.What is your current work-life balance like?Right now I’ve been working incredibly reasonable hours,especially compared to intern year. The pandemic hasobviously impacted my life outside of work, but I stillcontinue to enjoy socially distant activities like boatingand hiking.What are some ways that you de-stress?Most of my stress relief in the prior to the pandemicincluded going to the gym (especially HIIT classes) andshopping. Now I do a lot more cooking at home & haveshifted to some more outdoor activities.How do you like Chapel Hill and the Triangle area?What are some of your favorite things to do inthe area?I love the Triangle area, it’s an amazing mix of urban andsuburban settings. I’ve been on a hunt to try as manyrestaurants as I can prior to the pandemic, and hope tocontinue soon. One of the most important developmentsfor me has been the opening of Wegmans, a staple ofthe central New York community. I am incredibly excitedfor the newest one to open, right across from the CRC!Finally, the weather here (while hot in the summer) is somuch better than the 100 inches of snow I’m used to!Name one of your favorite things about the UNCPM&R department.My favorite thing about the department is definitely ourcommunity. I love working with everyone on 7BT as wellas my co-residents. I look forward to meet everyone atthe CRC next month!UNC Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Improving Health, Function, and Well-being

U P D A T E S F R O M 2 0 2 0 P G Y -2 sAndriana Tompary,DOPGY Level: 2Describe your experiences so far this year.I have completed one month of inpatient rehab(neurorehab) with Dr. Rauch and one month of clinic atthe CRC.What have you most enjoyed about this year so far?I am thrilled to (finally) be working within my chosenspecialty! Everyone has been so welcoming, and thetransition has been easy.What has challenged you?Being patient with myself and reminding myself that I amstill learning (and will be for the rest of my career).What has surprised you about Residency life?Realizing that it is obtainable to have work-life balance asa resident. I feel like there is this big misconception thatresidency no life for 3-4 years. Planning ahead, havingopen communication with family and friends, and askingfor help are my “golden rules” for having a good work-lifebalance.Describe the comradery you have experienced sincejoining our residency training program.The comradery between my co-residents make I job Ialready enjoy that much more enjoyable. I feel very closeto own class and know that I can reach out to any of myco-residents if I have a question or need something. Welove to hang out and try new things. Our most recentadventure was tubing down the Eno River earlier thissummer.Improving Health, Function, and Well-being What is your current work-life balance like?My work-life balance is always changing, as I am alwaystrying to refine it to make it even better. Overall, I feelit is great so far. I always make sure all of my work iscompleted prior to coming home, so that way when I amhome, I can relax. I make sure I go to sleep at a consistenttime every night. I work out at least 3 times per week. Ialways use my free weekends to re-charge and de-stress,whether that be by binging a Netflix series (I’m currentlyre-watching the Office) or doing something outside.What are some ways that you de-stress?Prior to COVID, ultimate frisbee was one of my main destressors. I also love hiking with my boyfriend (Jon) andour two dogs (Olaf and Finn) as well as working out. I loveHIIT workouts. Jon, the dogs, and I love taking day tripsout to Hanging Rock State Park.How do you like Chapel Hill and the Triangle area?What are some of your favorite things to do inthe area?I absolutely love the area! Even though my boyfriend andI have only been living in Chapel Hill for about a year, wealready feel very connected to the community. Also, Iwould take the long and hot summers in the Triangle anyday over the harsh Chicago winters. I love exploring newrestaurants in the area. Que Chula off Franklin Street is anew favorite.Name one of your favorite things about the UNCPM&R department.I love the family atmosphere of our program! It fosters agreat learning environment.UNC Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation FALL 20207

Remembering Amy Alexander, RNThe UNC Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitationis deeply saddened by Amy Alexander, RN, unexpected passing on May 19, 2020. The past few months have been a time ofmourning for our faculty, staff, residents, and others who haveworked with Amy over the last four years. It has been encouraging to see how our members have cared for one another, listento, comfort, and support each other, and eventually, find somehappiness in the knowledge that we were blessed to know sucha wonderful person.Amy Alexander, RN-Nurse ManagerUNC Center for RehabilitationAmy was born on May 11, 1954 and left this earth much toosoon on May 19, 2020. Amy was originally from Iowa, lived inPennsylvania, and Ithaca, NY. From a farming family, a bookkeeper in the Agway store, to a wife of a farmer, and a nurse,she knew the meaning of a time for everything. As the familytransitioned from farming and moved from the north to thesouth, Amy stood by her husband. Her and Loren were married41 years. They raised four boys and did experience the loss oftheir stillborn daughter. After moving with her family to NorthCarolina, she studied at UNC Chapel Hill, receiving her Master’sDegree in Nursing Administration. She first started working atUNC Health Care in 1997. As there was a time for everything, shemoved up the ranks from a bedside nurse to a nurse manager,a director or nursing at Carrol Woods and came back to UNC towork at the Center for Rehabilitation Care. Amy’s family described her as loving what she did. She was passionate about it.That is something we can all learn from Amy.The UNC Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitationheld an online celebration of life for Amy on September 16,2020. Chaplain Shay Green, UNC Hospitals Director of PastoralCare, directed the service and many of Amy’s colleagues, friends,and family, and friends shared wonderful memories and storiesabout Amy. As part of the service, a Memorial Tree was presented to Amy’s family that included memories from her colleaguesover the last 4 years. The department will continue to mourn butmay lives be forever changed by Amy’s influence and memory.Amy’s obituary can be found der.If you would like to make a donation in Amy’s honor, you canmake a donation to Sparkle Cat Rescue in Graham, NC:www.sparklecatrescue.org/donate.html.8FALL 2020 UNC Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Improving Health, Function, and Well-being

SpotlightAlumnus Wesley Ibazebo, MDUNC PM&R is proud of our residency program alumni and we enjoy connecting with them! Werecently caught up with Wesley Ibazebo, MD (UNC PM&R residency graduating class of 2010.)Dr. Ibazebo grew up in Houston, Texas. He attended Duke University and received a BS in BiologicalAnthropology and Anatomy in 2001. He went on to receive his MD at the University of Texas inGalveston, TX in 2006 before entering our four-year residency. Following his training in ChapelHill, he completed a fellowship in Interventional Spine at Orthopedic Specialists of the Carolinas(now OrthoCarolina). He now works as an Interventional Physiatrist at Murphy Wainer OrthopedicSpecialists and lives in Greensboro, NC with his wife and three children.Improving Health, Function, and Well-being UNC Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation FALL 20209

Wesley Ibazebo, MDInterventional PhysiatristMurphy Wainer Orthopedic SpecialistsQ: What do you remember best about UNC PM&R?A: The camaraderie between the residents wasunbelievable. We were very connected. Our departmentfelt like family and we pulled through the hard times ofresidency as a unified group.Q: How did UNC PMR prepare you for yourprofessional career after graduation?A: By receiving a wealth of training in various areas andbeing exposed to so much during our training, I feltprepared to enter the “real world.”Q: Who specifically do you recall working with andhave fond memories of?A: I was able to work with many faculty members who arestill at UNC PM&R today: Drs. Alexander, Filer, Cleveland,Faurot, Gaylord, Hill, Than, Zinner, and Thompson.Former Chairman Dr. Lee was passionate about makingsure the program was well-rounded. In fact, I actuallyranked UNC PM&R highly because of the program’s broadexposure! Also, I was able to do certain spine proceduresas a second, third, and fourth year resident; being aninterventional spine physician now, this early hands-ontraining gave me ample opportunities to learn and mademe feel comfortable to do these in my fellowship.I specially recall working on a project on disparities inhealthcare for stroke patients with Dr. Faurot during mylast year of residency. This project was pivotal for mebecause it made me more confident with statistics, gaveme a terrific presentation to give at conferences, andallowed me to discuss disparities in patients in a verythorough manner.I also helped Dr. Alexander with his basketball camp. Irecall Dr. Alexander being a good basketball player! Heran as a point-guard for our intramural team. He wouldalways find me for an open shot! Thanks forthe memories!Q: Do you keep in touch with any of your fellowresidents?A: Yes, many! We often text, email, and connect oversocial media. We also usually tend to meet up atconferences. The UNC PM&R residency training gaveus a shared bond and our opportunities to connect areinvaluable. If needed, I would feel comfortable reachingout to anyone from the program, since we have thatshared bond of training.10FALL 2020 Overall, the education and training were wonderful. I feltwell-prepared to apply and pursue fellowship.Q: How did you find your way into your currentspecialty/job?A: Through lots of research and lots of conversations!While pursuing a fellowship, I learned about Dr. O’Brien’sInterventional Spine fellowship program at OrthoCarolinathrough previous UNC PM&R residents who had trainedwith him. I also spoke to faculty who I admired, and theyhelped me to navigate fellowship opportunities. Whilelooking for a job, I had many conversations with previousmentors and my fellowship director Dr. O’Brien. I amgrateful to everyone who helped me during these times.Q: What qualities of the UNC PM&R residencytraining experience stand out to you as having beenexceptional?A: The well-rounded-ness of the program’s curriculum,comradery and family feel amongst my fellow residentsand the faculty, and emphasis placed on the well-being ofeach other.UNC Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Improving Health, Function, and Well-being

S p o t lig h t o n A lu m W e s le y Ib a z e b o , M DQ: How was living in Chapel Hill/RTP?A: The triangle is a beautiful place to live andthere are always fun events going on. Havingseveral major universities in the area is ahuge plus.Q: What do you miss about the Chapel Hillarea?A: I miss the college town feel with its youngenergy and the abundance of outdoor activities.Q: How do you alleviate stress?A: A few different ways - Exercise, spending timewith my kids, being out in nature (going onwalks, playing tennis, etc.), and travel.Q: Describe your current work-life balance.A: I try to leave work at work and be presentwhen I am at home with my wife and children.I also try to be active and stay physically fit.In order to have a healthy work-life balance, Ibelieve that you must understand that there arethings that are out of your control, so controlwhat you can and don’t stress about what youcannot control. Finally, I try to live by the motto:Be the best person I can be (not only the bestdoctor I can be). I am a husband, father, son, andfriend, and those are important aspects of mylife as well.Thank you Dr. Ibazebo!If you’re an alum of ourresidency program, we’d loveto hear from you!Please contact us at:pmrnews@med.unc.eduand mention our newsletter tobe included in a future edition!Q: Has your work been impacted in the midstof COVID?A: Yes, my practice has been impacted byCOVID. I am seeing many patients virtuallythrough telehealth. Some patients are stillcoming into my clinic.Q: If you had to sum up your thoughts inone sentence, what would you like others toknow about UNC PM&R?A: The residency program takes pride

Interventional Spine care. I think you'll enjoy his recollections of his time here at UNC as well as his wise approach to life, work, and family. Elsewhere in this issue, you'll get the chance to hear another perspective of our training program as you meet some of our newest residents and learn about life as a UNC PM&R resident circa 2020.