Medical school: Mercer University School of Medicine
Specializes in: Internal Medicine
Residency program: Memorial Health-University Medical Center/Mercer University School of Medicine (Savannah) Program
Exam: ABIM Certification Exam
This month we’d like to feature another resident who attended the 2018 Immersive Review Course in Dallas—Dr. Johnna Stevens. She was kind enough to chat with us about her experience in residency and at the course.
MS: What was it that made you decide to become a doctor?
JS: I idolized Dr. Quinn (medicine woman from a TV show) as a child and always wanted to be her when I grew up. :)
MS: What is the most rewarding thing about your career so far?
JS: Becoming licensed and moonlighting at an opiate addiction center has been the most rewarding thing so far. It has been my first independent opportunity and the success stories are unbelievably amazing.
MS: What was your favorite part of residency?
JS: The support system. I had the autonomy to practice medicine but always had someone to turn to if needed.
MS: If you had to describe your residency in three words, what would they be?
JS: Supportive, studious, demanding.
MS: Who is your mentor and what advice have they given you?
JS: My assistant program director is my mentor and his advice was to give the course my undivided attention and then do plenty of practice questions.
MS: Tell us about your experience at the course.
JS: I felt that the course was highly efficient. It would have taken me at least three times as long to cover that much material on my own. Also, I loved how interactive the lectures were, with the question/answer pieces.
MS: Prior to taking the Immersive Review Course, how confident were you about passing your board exam and why? And how about afterward?
JS: I would say that I was not confident about taking the boards at all prior to taking the review course. I have always found standardized tests a challenge, so I had a lot of concerns. I certainly feel more confident now. My program relies heavily on MKSAP for board prep. It was very reassuring that the MedStudy course explained what the most high-yield and highly tested scenarios are.
MS: What was your favorite thing about the course?
JS: The audience interaction/Q&A format was my favorite part of the course. Great food too. :)
MS: How do you find time to study?
JS: I schedule study time into my day like an appointment.
MS: What will you do on test day to ensure you are prepared?
JS: I will have a nutritious breakfast and bring a caffeinated beverage to sip throughout the breaks.
MS: Outside of being a doctor, what else do you enjoy? Hobbies?
JS: I enjoy spending time with my family: my husband, two sons (ages 8 and 1), and our two dogs. We like to get outdoors as much as possible—hiking, swimming, and biking.
Thanks, Johnna, for choosing the Immersive Review Course and taking the time to chat with us. We’re glad we could be a part of your board prep—with your thorough review and consistent study plan, we feel confident you’ll earn a high mark on your exam!
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