Get to know Texas native Dr. Brian Monk, internal medicine PGY-2 resident, coffee devotee, and plant parent.
Tell us about you.
I grew up in El Paso, TX (yes, the very edge of TX and yes, I’ve driven across the state more times than I’d like). I attended college at Ouachita (pronounced Wash-i-taw) Baptist University in Arkadelphia, AR where I majored in Biology and minored in Chemistry and Psychology (look up Tiger Tunes if you want a glimpse into Ouachita culture). There I took two-years off and worked as a medical scribe before attending medical school at Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine (ARCOM). Some of my hobbies include plants, coffee, reading, and hiking.
Why did you choose UMMC for residency?
When I was interviewing at multiple programs, one of the things that really stood out to me was hearing Dr. Thigpen talk about yearly goals for the medicine department. Out of all my interviews, I never heard a program director mention that. It really stuck with me because Dr. Thigpen is always striving to make the program better.
Tell us about a memorable experience from training.
Going for team-Cups runs with the attending before rounds on wards.
What is one thing you would tell the incoming interns about what is to come?
Accept the fact that you will be wrong, you will not know everything, and you will not know what to do in some situations. Intern year is re-learning all of what you did in medical school and applying it to the real world. So don’t be afraid to say you don’t know, ask questions, or ask for help. You’ll find that even the most seasoned attendings have a lot to learn.
What could you give a presentation on with absolutely no preparation?
I would like to say one of my hobbies, but in all honesty, I think it’d be hyponatremia.
What are some small things that make your day better?
Taking a walk outside (especially on one of the X blocks i.e. MICU), a cup of coffee, and a 10-minute power nap.
Where could we find you when you are not at the hospital?
~90% sensitive & specific a coffee shop, especially if I’m out of town.
What profession would you have chosen if you weren’t a physician?
I’ve always wanted to work at a coffee shop and make coffee for people, so that’s what I’d like to do. Maybe that’ll still be a thing in the future but for some reason, brewing coffee & listening to some jams is just too good not to experience at least once.
Progress Notes 