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This summer, we hosted Lydia Bangert, a Physician Assistant student at Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI. We caught up with Lydia to get to know her better, and her interest in pursuing chronic pain and addiction medicine.
Q: What are you studying at Marquette University?
A: I am studying Physician Assistant Studies at Marquette University.
Q: Where are you originally from, and what lead you to Wisconsin?
A: I am originally from Shoreview, MN. I went to Wisconsin for college at the University of Wisconsin - Madison and majored in Biology and Italian. During that time, I knew I wanted to be in the medical field somewhere and spent my summers in Minnesota as a caregiver to gain experience.
Q: What is the nature of your work with Valley Medical and Wellness this summer?
A: I get to rotate with VMW as a PA student for part of my last clinical rotation for my behavioral health experience. During this rotation, I get to learn from the patients who are navigating chronic pain and/or substance use disorders. I appreciate shadowing providers with a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to care and observing how personalized treatment plans are developed and adjusted over time.
Q: What interests you most about chronic pain medicine and addiction medicine?
A: I really enjoy the work of chronic pain and addiction medicine in the shared goal of improving functionality and quality of life. Also, due to the nature of these long-term conditions, I really appreciate the continuity of care and therapeutic relationship in management. This specialty takes a whole-person approach—addressing not just physical symptoms, but also emotional and social factors that affect a person’s well-being. Each patient is unique and complex, which makes the work both challenging and rewarding.
Q: Any interest in other kinds of medical work?
A: Following my completion of PA school, I will be completing a primary care focused residency at the Milwaukee VA. I really enjoy learning and have a strong interest in primary care and all specialties that I have experienced thus far so I look forward to exploring this more at the VA next year!
Q: Do you have any hobbies outside of school/work?
A: I do have several hobbies that I participate in! I really enjoy embroidery and needlework. All of my pieces take me several hundred hours to complete but the finished product is always a masterpiece at the end! I also love playing sports and doing winter/ water activities. I grew up swimming in a lake and playing hockey on it in the winter time. You can find me outside in any season!
