Avani Patel

Jan 17, 2025 | dev.to | Avani Patel

As we step into a new year, it’s common to look back on the one that has just passed. The practice of "retrospective"—popular in agile environments—has found its place not only in team meetings but in our personal reflections. For me, 2024 was a year of discovery, challenges, growth, and, like every year, moments that were deeply rewarding. Now that we're on the other side, it's time to debug the highs and lows of the year to fully understand how far we've come and what lessons we've learned. 1.

Feb 27, 2024 | psychnews.psychiatryonline.org | Avani Patel

If you would have asked me what is sports psychiatry at this time last year, I would not have been able to answer you. When I share with others that I am seeking certification in sports psychiatry, I am often met with that very same question. It all started when another resident mentioned pursuing an elective in this field. It piqued my interest; however, I assumed this would not be an appropriate fit for me as I was never much of an athlete.

Jan 5, 2024 | huffpost.com | Alisha Sahay |Avani Patel |Arish Jamil

Refaat Alareer seemed resigned to his fate when he wrote “If I Must Die,” the last poem he would publish, on Nov. 1. “If I must die / you must live / to tell my story,” the first lines read. The renowned Palestinian professor, activist and poet was killed along with his family just a month later in an Israeli airstrike in northern Gaza. Alareer was one of more than 22,000 Palestinians who have been killed by Israeli forces since Hamas’ Oct.

Nov 28, 2023 | psychnews.psychiatryonline.org | Avani Patel

I am often asked by medical students, “Why psychiatry? How did you know this was the specialty for you?” They look at me pensively as they begin to list the pros and cons of each medical specialty. So as I walked into my first continuity clinic of my fourth year of residency and prepared to see my first patient, the question came up again: “Why psychiatry?” Let me share my answer with you, but first, it may be helpful to have some background.

Nov 2, 2023 | psychnews.psychiatryonline.org | Avani Patel

In the fall of 2021, I was scrolling through my Twitter feed when I came across “APA/APAF Fellow” in a resident physician’s profile biography. I decided to investigate what this meant and found my way onto APA’s website and the resource section for residents and fellows. There it was‐an area titled “fellowships.” (APAF stands for APA Foundation.)For as long as I can remember, I have always looked for learning opportunities.