Jaime Schrenk, D.O...finding balance in her medical career and her personal life

In 7th grade at Holy Guardian Angels School, Jaime (Etchberger) Schrenk's English assignment was to read about a person who inspired her. She chose Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman to receive a medical degree in the United States. Jaime chose her because even then, she knew that Elizabeth was her inspiration...she too wanted to become a doctor. 

That desire was not just a whim. After graduating from Central Catholic High School in 1994, Jaime became a Blue Hen at the University of Delaware. She earned a B.A. in Biomedical Science, graduating in 1998. She was on her way to fulfilling her dream, but it was not necessarily easy. She entered UD as a PreMed student, and the first semester was rough. She wondered whether this was the career for her...but she remembered her family physician,  professors, her parents and (maybe) Elizabeth Blackwell ---and she drew strength and motivation from them. 

She applied to and was accepted by the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, and her 4 year Medical School adventure began. It was as grueling as we all think it is, but Jaime persevered AND planned her wedding during this time. She was married to her husband Mike during her 3rd year of Medical School. Her first son, Matthew, was born in 2005 during her third year of Residency; the balance of her life began as Mike took paternity leave to make this all work.

Osteopathic Medicine....Jaime is a D.O rather than M.D.

D.O's are trained the same way as M.D. and can perform the same functions such as prescribing drugs, performing surgery, and using medical technology. They do Residency and Internship training as well. Jaime's focus in Residency was Family Practice. According to the American Osteopathic Association website, " a D.O.receives special training in the musculoskeletal system, your body's interconnected systems of nerves, muscles and bones." Jaime explained how sometimes a bit of hands-on manipulation may help with something like a sinus infection. She verified what the website says:

"Osteopathic physicians focus on prevention, tuning into how a patient's lifestyle and environment can impact their wellbeing. DOs strive to help you be truly healthy in mind, body and spirit -- not just free of symptoms."

This balanced, holistic (the whole person) approach in medicine seems to fit in with Jaime's personality and approach to life.

 I see the balance in her family. Jaime's 2nd son, Luke, was born in 2009. Jaime was seeking a position that could fulfill her passion for medicine and her family responsibilities.
After her first position with a Hospitalist Group in geriatrics (the care of older people), she moved from Delaware to Reading; she initially worked as an attending physician for Genesis Health practicing geriatrics at 2 local nursing facilities. After that she took a separate job as a medical director for Compassionate Care Hospice which she did for 7 years.

This schedule could be hectic, and after 7 years Jaime was looking for a change. Her boys are a huge part of her life, and she loves to volunteer at their school. While she was able to do this, she recently had a chance to make another change. Jaime is now a Primary Care Physician for Penn State Health St. Joseph at the Spring Ridge Health Corridor.

That is Jaime on the far right

About 8 years ago, a stressful life situation became motivation for Jaime to seek ways to end some tension. She took it to the streets----in the form of running. Like many other runners, it started out as a means to feel better mentally, then the physical benefits became apparent. Anyone who enjoys and participates in regular physical activity understand the effect of those endorphins that are released after exercise, making pain seem less and stress...well, less stressful! Jaime was hooked. She began competing in both half and 4-5 full marathons. She will get up early (way early) before the boys are up to fit in her run. Balance, once again, to make things work.

She wins, too!

While Jaime enjoys a nice piece of cake like the rest of us, she strives to eat healthfully and she prepares meals that promote healthy living. I was amused when she recently shared her attempts, but kids are kids........

She described what she prepared for that night's dinner: linguine, chicken, and broccoli in Asian peanut sauce. Wow--I was impressed!

Her boys insisted on adding the banana.....

Whatever works! Go with the flow...

Balance.

Jaime has proved that cliche that hard work pays off. She has a fulfilling career and a warm family life. She advises students to pursue the dream that they have--hers started way back in grade school

(and by the way, I'm very proud to say that I was the teacher who assigned the Elizabeth Blackwell project.)  She reflects that each day she is doing what she dreamed of doing.

She also wants students to know that there is balance and sanity (my words) in such a demanding profession. Her office hours at Spring Ridge are Tuesday and Wednesday 8-1 and Thursday 8-5. That sounds like just enough time to go on a field trip!

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I'm off to the Big Apple for some literary tours (Poe included) and to interview 4 fantastic New Yorkers!