As co-chief resident for the 2021-2022 academic year, Dr. Katharine Sourbeer looks forward to the fresh perspectives that come with the role. Once conflicted between pursuing medicine or marine biology, she hopes to specialize in movement disorders as she embarks on the next step of her career. Marine biology, and specifically turtles, continues to be a hobby and eventual retirement plan. In her free time, you can find her kayaking, exploring Nashville’s scenic greenways, and spending time with friends.
Tell us about your background. What led your path to medicine and ultimately neurology?
I was born in New Jersey but grew up in Northern Virginia, just outside of Washington, D.C. I went to Duke for undergrad and was trying to decide between marine biology and medicine, so I got a job in an urology lab to get exposure to the medical field. I’d always liked biology, and my dad’s father and two of his brothers were doctors, so that was always in my mind as a practical application of science. So I started college marginally pre-med but still open-minded as a biology and history major. I did love the ocean, and quickly realized there were a lot of people who also loved marine biology, but not many paying jobs. After my job in the urology lab, I decided I wanted to pursue medicine as a career and have marine biology as a hobby/retirement plan. I did medical school at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine in Roanoke.
In the first year of medical school we did block rotations, and the neurology block was the best, in my unbiased opinion. I thought I was probably interested in that, but I kept an open mind going into my clinical rotations. But I always found myself most interested in the neurology patients.
What drew you to Vanderbilt?
I really just liked the feel of the program when I interviewed as well as the people. I was looking at mostly east coast institutions [for residency]. I found I really liked this program despite the location not because of the location (although I’ve since found I enjoy living in Nashville). After my interview [at Vanderbilt] I questioned how well I did, but fortunately it turned out to be a fit!
What have been some of your most memorable moments of residency so far?
There have been some good moments with my co-residents, like Christmas parties before COVID were really fun. We also did a kayaking event as a socially-distanced activity during COVID which I really enjoyed. I’ve enjoyed some unexpected continuity with some patients (where I’ve treated them in the hospital and then happened to see them in clinic, or follow them in specialty clinic, for example). Then there are some moments that are memorable for less pleasant reasons, like the time we had three stroke alerts and a TIA alert concurrently on call.
What kinds of challenges and rewards do you anticipate as co-chief resident for the upcoming academic year?
One of the big challenges for me, as an introvert, will be public speaking and visibility. There is definitely a lot of extra work, but I’m excited about learning more about the program from a different perspective and making changes for the better. I’ll also be able to get a glimpse of the administrative side of medicine to see if that’s something I might want to do in the future.
What does an ideal weekend off look like for you?
I’ve been kayaking on the Cumberland a couple of times and my ideal weekend would definitely include that. It would probably also involve brunch somewhere or maybe a cookout with friends. Before COVID, Nashville had lots of different festivals that were fun to explore.
What are some of your favorite places in Nashville?
The Richland Greenway is my favorite running trail, but I also like Centennial Park since I live nearby, and I always enjoy when I go down to the Cumberland Park riverfront. I’m excited about the new L&L market that just opened on Charlotte Avenue and I hope to explore it more.
Who have been some of the most influential people in your life?
Obviously my parents were influential in raising me, guiding my priorities, helping me during college, and being a sounding board for many of my decisions, such as, “should I go into medicine or marine biology?” My sister has also provided a good listening ear and knows me well. She said, “You should do neurology,” and she was right.
What does the future hold beyond residency, both personally and professionally?
I’m in the process of interviewing for movement disorders fellowships. In my PGY-2 year I attended Vanderbilt’s Focus on Common Movement Disorders conference, and ever since then I have had a special place in my heart for it. I like all of neurology, though, and probably want to do some general neurology in the future; but when I’m going through my schedule and see a new patient for tremor I’m like, “Oh, cool!”
Fortunately, I did a big trip to Galapagos right before COVID hit. So lately it’s just been exciting to go home and see my family. For my next trip I will go to Florida to see family we haven’t seen in a while, and I’m hoping to make a side trip to Harry Potter World as well. Long-term, I have visions of retiring and volunteering at a sea turtle hospital or on the turtle team, patrolling beaches to protect turtle nests.
What kind of media have you been consuming lately?
I’m currently trying to improve my Spanish, so I’m watching Gilmore Girls in Spanish. I’ve seen it enough in English that I’m not completely confused if I miss a few words. I usually have a book going but I’m between books right now. I’ve just finished the book for the GME book club, not realizing I was going to be working during the actual book club. I’m about to start a book recommended to me on the fellowship interview trail.
Anything else we should know?
My fun fact is that I really like turtles, and people always remember that about me. I also play the cello, although I have been remiss in my practicing.
