Fellow Focus: Dr. Anna Gladfelter

Meet Dr. Anna Gladfelter, Arkansas native, first-year Pulmonary and Critical Care fellow, and Halloween enthusiast. Here, she shares a bit about herself, her path to medicine via an art degree, and why she loves pulmonary/critical care and UMMC.

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First, tell us about you.

I am originally from Little Rock, Arkansas. I went to Rhodes College in Memphis and received my bachelor’s degree in studio art. I attended the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences back in my hometown for medical school. Then I moved to Jackson for my residency in Internal Medicine at UMMC. I stayed at UMMC for further training and am now finishing up my first year of fellowship in Pulmonary Critical-Care. When I am not in the hospital, I am often found on a patio in Fondren with an adult beverage and my friends. I am also a devoted dog mom to my dog, Blue, and a mediocre plant parent.

When did you know you wanted to pursue pulmonary and critical care?

I was resistant to the idea at first. I came into residency thinking I was going to do Hematology/Oncology. The second month of my intern year I was in the ICU. It was a baptism by fire, but I loved it. The environment was energetic, and I really felt like I was a doctor for the first time. My team was fantastic and we all bonded very quickly. Many of the people I worked with are lifelong friends now. It shook me that so early into residency I was interested in something else that I hadn’t planned for. Later I discovered how much I enjoyed bronchoscopy which pushed me to definitively choose Pulmonary Critical-Care. The lesson here is be open minded in residency, something may surprise you.

What do you like most about UMMC?

The people are amazing. I have met some of the most brilliant, enthusiastic, and kind people I have ever met at UMMC. Particularly within my fellowship there is a culture of comradery, dedication to our craft, and support for one another that is special and unique.

What advice would you give to the interns?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions! I tell all my interns to never be afraid to ask questions even if you feel like it’s a ‘dumb question’. Part of what makes people anxious during their intern year comes from the fear of looking like you don’t know what you’re doing. So sometimes people are afraid to ask and therefore miss out on learning opportunities. No one expects you to know everything. It is important to be curious and open-minded during your first year when you have some extra help so you are prepared to run the team next year.

What could you give a 40 minute presentation on without preparation?

Oh, I could probably give a lecture series on the art of Hayao Miyazaki. I adore film/animation and I have always admired his work. He has an artistic process that is going extinct. I find him to be an artist with a lot of integrity and passion and that comes through in his films. One of my favorite things in my home is a small collection of art prints from his films hanging on my office wall.

What is something you wish you knew more about?

This is probably a toss up between quantum physics and poker. I’m reading a Stephen Hawking book on the subject right now. I’m also reading a book on poker strategy as my boyfriend plays and I want to take him to the cleaners.

What are some small things that make your day better?

A mid-day trip to Cups usually helps to put everyone in a good mood. When I have a minute, I like to stand by the big window on the way to the critical care tower to soak up some sunlight just for a few seconds. After work is over, I come home and walk my dog which helps me to decompress from a long day.

Tell us something about you that most people don’t know.

Most people probably don’t know how much I enjoy Halloween. In general, I am a lover of all things spooky. I go all out with decorations when fall comes around.