Where do you work?
I am employed by the Iowa Medical and Classification Center, but most of my work is with individuals in jails all across the state.
Typical day in your shoes?
I spend most of my time doing competency evaluations. It is not always clear if a person who has been accused of a crime is able to understand the legal process, so the judge might order a psychiatrist to interview the person and offer an opinion. Most of these evaluations take around eight hours and consist of reviewing any available records, interviewing the individual, writing the report, and editing the report, with each step taking around two hours. Some of the individuals fabricate symptoms of a mental illness, and that makes evaluations more challenging, but also more interesting.
What’s your favorite part of being a psychiatrist?
What I enjoy most about clinical work is getting to know a patient very deeply over a long period of time. It is rewarding to notice patterns of behavior and to explore those patterns with the patient. What I enjoy most about forensic psychiatry is the challenge of teasing apart personality, psychosis, and the effects of drugs.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever heard?
When I was an intern a senior resident said, “MD means Make Decisions.” I still think about that.
Favorite vacation experience/destination?
This is a tough question, but it would probably be London. There is so much to do, but I would be happy just walking around for a whole week without any set plans.
Which actor/actress would you want to play you in the movie about your life?
Literally any actor or actress as long as Denis Villeneuve is the director.
Favorite TV show?
Alone. It’s this reality TV survival show that makes me so thankful for civilization. It’s mind blowing to see a strong competitor drop out because of loneliness.
What’s one thing that can instantly make your day better?
It’s so corny, but sitting with my dog.
