A supportive and education-minded team of upper-level residents and attendings helped Dr. Sarenthia Epps find joy—and calling—in an initially overwhelming ICU experience as an intern. From there, she took advantage of the educational, mentorship, and research opportunities available in the UAMS Department of Internal Medicine to prepare herself for treating patients with lung diseases and the critically ill in southeast Arkansas.
Describe why you chose UAMS for your internal medicine residency and fellowship in pulmonary and critical care medicine.
Dr. Epps: UAMS was my top choice for my internal medicine residency and fellowship in pulmonary and critical care medicine for several reasons. First, UAMS has a strong reputation for providing excellent training and clinical experience in these fields. The faculty members are leaders in their respective areas, and I knew that being mentored by such esteemed professionals would greatly benefit my career development. Additionally, UAMS offers a robust research environment, which aligns with my academic interests. The supportive and collaborative atmosphere at UAMS was also a significant factor in my decision, as I believe that a positive and nurturing work environment is crucial for professional and personal growth. Overall, I am confident that UAMS provided me with the necessary tools and opportunities to excel in my medical career as a pulmonary and critical care physician.
Tell us about your career from the end of your fellowship to the present.
Dr. Epps: Since completing pulmonary and critical care fellowship, I am now employed at Jefferson Regional Medical Center (JRMC) in Pine Bluff, Arkansas as a pulmonary and critical care physician. I work with three other intensivists to provide critical care coverage for our ICU. I split my time between outpatient pulmonary clinic, inpatient pulmonary consults, and critical care. I also work closely with the oncologists and radiation oncologist to assist in diagnosing and staging lung cancer.
How did your education and training at UAMS prepare you for your current practice?
Dr. Epps: UAMS is the only level-one trauma center in the state of Arkansas. So, the pathology at UAMS was vast. We cared for patients with cirrhosis, GI bleeds, septic shock, cardiogenic shock, HLH, and the list goes on. Training at UAMS and seeing patients with different pathologies prepared me to care for critically ill patients as an attending at JRMC.
Do you have fond memories or stories from your time at UAMS that you would like to share?
Dr. Epps: I remember my first ICU rotation as an intern. I was scared out of my mind. The vents, all the drips, cardiac arrests—it was overwhelming. Thanks to my amazing upper-levels, attendings, and fellows, it was an ICU experience to remember. I specifically remember running my first code as an intern. The upper-level was there but allowed me to run the code, and the patient had return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). I also remember my first central venous line. The upper-level was very patient and guided me through the entire procedure. After that experience, I knew my future career would involve critical care.
Are there faculty and staff at UAMS or the VA who were impactful in your training that you would like to recognize?
Dr. Epps: Every member of the pulmonary and critical care department at the VA and UAMS was impactful in my training. I enjoyed learning from all the attendings as each person had their own style of teaching, performing procedures, etc. I am truly grateful for Dr. Jagana as my program director; for Drs. Bartter, Johnson, Raghavan, and Venkata for their immense knowledge; and for Drs. Meena and Goraya for their mentorship.