Initially attracted to Vanderbilt because of the well-established Neurology program, Dr. Carynn Koch discovered a supportive environment for continuing her training. She has recognized growth in herself–both professionally and personally–through the challenging moments and the “blur” that sometimes accompanies late-night call shifts. Dr. Koch will continue her training in Neuroimmunology after residency, and in the meantime enjoying Nashville’s parks and food scene.
Tell us about your background and how your path led to Vanderbilt.
I am from Mt. Vernon, IN and went to the University of Southern Indiana for undergrad where I was on a pre-med route. I also did a history minor because I just really love history. I went to medical school in Indianapolis, and came down here for residency. Vanderbilt was definitely where I knew I wanted to be after the interview season. Nashville is also closer to Evansville, which works out nicely.
What attracted you to Vanderbilt during your interview?
I loved that it had an excellent reputation, was a large, academic institution, and had a very well established Neurology program. At the time, I didn’t know exactly what subspecialty I wanted to do, so I wanted to go somewhere with excellent leaders and mentors no matter what I chose, which of course Vanderbilt has. People were really impressive here without the egos that can sometimes accompany prestige. The faculty and other residents were so welcoming, that it was a really easy decision.
What first piqued your interest in Neurology?
I didn’t grow up dreaming of being a neurologist, but I loved neuroanatomy in medical school. By the second year [of medical school], I clearly loved studying that material the most—it just stood out by far. I knew I could spend an entire career never growing tired of studying the brain and nervous system. Plus I knew I wanted the option to do both outpatient and inpatient medicine. My third year of clinical rotations confirmed all of that, so that’s when I made my decision.
What have been some of the highlights of your residency so far? What about challenging moments?
I think residency is a blur of moments in which you’re really busy, but you get to the end of the day and you realize you’ve done something challenging and how much you’ve grown without realizing it. It becomes apparent when I’m teaching junior residents or medical students. I love working with my friends, my co-residents. It’s an honor to take care of patients with people you enjoy in and out of hospital.
For example, there was a moment when I had to teach an intern or medical student how to do a lumbar puncture, and I was able to be successful. I remember thinking then that two years ago, doing a lumbar puncture was so challenging and stressful, but now I could teach someone else to do it. How you get from point A to point B is a blur, but you do get there.
I think the most challenging moments are having end-of-life discussions with families. You meet people in the worst moment of their lives, and it’s hard and can take a toll. On the flip side, I think it’s one of the greatest honors of this job to be entrusted with that discussion and be able to help patients and families even though you’re delivering hard information. There have been moments I’ve had to do that late in a call night, and I’ll remember those as moments of the biggest growth in terms of my emotional intelligence. It’s hard to slow down and think about how a conversation is going to go, but I’ve never regretted taking a minute to compose myself so I can stay focused.
Is there a particular lecture series or didactic that really stands out to you from your time so far at Vanderbilt?
I get a lot of enjoyment out of opportunities for residents to put together lectures. The Continuum lecture review or our board review series are opportunities to practice those skills. I also enjoy hearing presentations from residents because we're all coming from a similar level and so it’s easy to apply practical knowledge.
What are your post-residency career plans?
I’m going to do a fellowship in neuro-immunology. I had an early interest in Multiple Sclerosis coming into residency and am very excited to be joining that field.
How do you like to spend your time off?
I really love to be outdoors. On a day off, I pretty much always go on a run at McCabe or hike at Percy Warner or something like that. Then I would spend time with friends later in the day. My co-residents are always aware of new restaurants or breweries, so I rely on them to show me the food scene in Nashville. I love to read. In medical school we didn’t read so much for fun, so I am reading more fiction than nonfiction these days.
I enjoy listening to podcasts to keep me in tune with the world. One of my favorites is Pop-cast which is really just a fun way to stay current with pop culture. I listen to the Neurology Board Review when I want to learn more, but mainly turn to podcasts for fun.
How would your co-residents describe you?
I wish I could say they would say I’m a hard-worker and team player. More likely they would say that I always seem to have coffee at all times of the day; and that’s ok because it’s true!
What would you do with a month-long vacation?
I would go home and see my family! Then I would try to explore some new places. I have a post-it note of places I haven’t been so I’m trying to check off those places. I haven’t been to the Pacific Northwest; I’d love to go see the redwoods, Napa Valley, Seattle, San Francisco, and really just do that whole area of the country. I love London, so if I could travel internationally, I’d love to go there or to Scotland because I have heritage there.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I just think that Vanderbilt Neurology attendings are so dedicated to the residents and have made residency such an incredible experience. They know me and shaped me so much as a clinician but also as a person. I really value that, and that is really innate to what Vanderbilt is all about. I can’t say enough good things about it.
