We’re excited to introduce you to @Katrina Elliott, just five months into her position. When asked why engaging in the AAMC Virtual Communities is important, she responded: "it provides a platform of knowledge and skills to ensure the scholars we serve are successful."
If you’re viewing this Member Spotlight as a non-member of the community, won’t you consider joining us?
Katrina Elliott (pictured here with her daughters,
Krystan and Elana)
Office of Diversity & Inclusion Coordinator
University of Louisville
Do you have a professional skill or area of expertise that might be of particular interest to your peers in this community?
As a PhD Candidate in the area of College Student Personnel, I've been trained in a wide range of college preparatory areas that can assist my fellow peers and cultivate a supportive learning environment. Also, as the SHPEP coordinator I have been designated as the "go-to" person at my institution for advice and expertise in subjects of mentorship, advising, planning, organization and overall structure of academic programming.
What was the best book you most recently read?The best books I most recently read was Diversity & Motivation: Culturally Responsive Teaching in College and The Undergraduate Experience: Focusing Institutions on What Matters Most.What’s the best piece of professional advice you have ever received?The best piece of professional advice I've ever received was going into a field that you are passionate about, because happiness is the key to a happy and successful life. Considering the fact that you will spend a great amount of years, days and hours in your profession, it's important to love what you do in efforts to spread a positive attitude and spirit.
What do you think is the best, most challenging, or most unique thing about working in academic medicine?
The best thing about working in academic medicine is observing of how health professionals can inspire and promote health equity and diversity, to embrace all cultures and communities.
What do you hope to gain from this online community?
What I hope to gain from this online community is to gain additional knowledge in the multitude of healthcare professions to better equip me with engaging and mentoring my scholars.
Did you have an unusual path to your current career?
I indeed had a unusual path to my current career, which ultimately developed me to reach this point of success. I had my daughter during my undergraduate career, which motivated me to keep going and never give up on my dreams. I was inspired by many mentors and advisors, who told me the value of an education and now I can motivate other parents that want to be an inspiration to their children by continuing their education.
Thinking about all conferences, workshops, webinars you have attended in the last few years, was there a speaker or session topic that stands out as your favorite?
I just started my role with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and have not yet attended any conferences, workshops or webinars, but I'm looking forward to the opportunities.
How do you prefer to start your day?
I prefer to start my day by getting a work out in, whether cardio, weight training or yoga. I feel better mentally and physically after working out because it helps me to clear my head for a productive and positive day.
How do you prefer to end your day?
I prefer to end my day relaxing with my family, whether it's watching a movie or sport game, taking a walk at the park or grabbing some ice cream, I enjoy family bonding time.
What’s the biggest misconception people have about your position?
That I may have the liberty to focus on one area, when instead I have to multi-task many task and duties throughout the day to ensure important things are completed.
You’re throwing a dinner party and can invite 3 people (alive or dead).
I would invite Martin Luther King, Malcolm X and my deceased grandmother, who all passed before I was born. All of these important people protested and fought for equity, equality and justice, which is a huge motivation for why I choose the career I'm currently in. I am inspired by these people and feel that their passion for change the world and brought more love to our society.
How did you maintain your wellness and resilience during the pandemic?
By incorporating a healthy lifestyle (mentally, physically and emotionally). I recommend folks to always prioritize their mental health in efforts to gain skills to conquer hardships that may arise in their life.
You live/work in Louisville, Kentucky. What’s your favorite restaurant there? Is there something special we should check out next time we visit?
My favorite restaurant is Royals Chicken. They have some of the best flavored chicken I've ever eaten. I recommend you checking out the Muhammad Ali Center for a great educational experience.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to become a professional dancer because I was inspired by Debbie Allen, Janet Jackson and other great dancers and performers.
What do you do to turn things around when you’re having a bad day?
I typically go workout when I want to turn things around after having a bad day. Working out, cardio and yoga relaxes my mind and usually relieves any stress.
If you could only have three apps on your smartphone, which would you pick?
I would pick Pandora, Amazon and CNN.
What’s the weirdest food you’ve ever eaten?
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Say “hello” to Katrina here in the community! Feel free to post any questions you have for her in this thread, or direct message via the community is also a great way to connect.If you’d like to be featured in a future #MemberSpotlight post, please fill out this form.
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