Sound Mind in a Sound Body–CIR’s Athletes

They treat patients, they study for the Boards, they work 80-hours weeks, and in their free time, they serve as CIR delegates or executive officers. But then, on top of all that, many CIR members somehow find the time to train for marathons or triathlons. How do they do it?

Here’s a look at some CIR doctor-athletes and how they incorporate fitness into their lives:

DR. NAILAH THOMPSON,
CIR EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
Triathlete, Runner, Basketball Player

How did you get into athletics?

I started playing basketball at Lowell High School in San Francisco, CA. Our team was very successful, winning the city championships three out of four years and making it to the state finals of California my senior year. I received a full ride scholarship to the University of San Diego, a Division I University in the West Coast Conference. After college I was able to continue playing basketball professionally.

What sports are you doing now?

I completed my first Sprint Triathlon in June. I swam half a mile in open water, biked 18miles, and then ran three miles. I basically just set the goal, found a training schedule and did it. I’m now training for a half-marathon. I also enjoy lifting weights and Bikram Yoga, which I do several times a week.

How did you find the time during residency?

For me working out wasn’t an option — it was necessary. It was my way to stay sane, and time for myself.The same goes for me now while I am doing a fellowship and going to school full time.When I go to yoga or to the gym, that’s the time that I allow my mind to relax. I feel strongly that as physicians, we have to be an example to our patients and lead a healthy lifestyle, which doesn’t mean working 80 hours, being stressed out, and never doing anything positive and nurturing for ourselves.

What advice do you have for overwhelmed residents?

We have a very demanding job as physicians and specifically as residents. You can’t expect to help your patients live a healthy life physically, mentally, and emotionally if you aren’t taking steps to do the same. You may not have as much time to do these activities as you have in the past, but plan to do them when you can and don’t break the appointment. Make yourself a priority.You work hard and you deserve to do the things you enjoy sometimes.


DR. DAMIEN HANSRA, CIR DELEGATE,
JACKSON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
Half-Marathoner

What kind of athletics do you do?

I participate in half marathons and runs for the American Cancer Society and breast cancer. I just became an athlete fundraiser for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society.

How did you decide to start training for half marathons?

I’ve always been a runner. I love it. You can always find time for the things you enjoy. I’m going into HEM/ONC, so running for the American Cancer Society is up my alley. I’m thinking about running in the next ING Miami half marathon coming up in January.


DR. FARBOD RAISZADEH,
CIR REGIONAL VP, NEW YORK
Training for New York City Marathon
on Nov. 1, 2009

What made you decide to train for a marathon?

I started running during the first year of residency. Living close to Central Park provided a big motivation to run.Every time I walked in or around the park, I would see so many runners at different levels of physical fitness; I was tempted to join. I got more serious about running after registering for a race with New York Road Runners Club and after joining a running group at the local gym. Running kept me sane during the hard months of residency.

What’s your training program?

My training program includes two days of running with the run club where we do some speed workouts, a long run of 10-18 miles over the weekend, and a loop of Central Park on any other day that I can run. It’s not possible to stick to this schedule all the time, but I try to not miss more than one or two days per week.

How do you find time in the middle of all your other work and studying for the boards?

Finding time to run can be a big challenge, but if you are creative with your time and flexible with your out-of-hospital hours, you can always manage to run regularly. In my intern year, I remember coming home, changing at around 9 pm and going for a short or long run in the park. Thinking back, I feel it was crazy to do so, but it allowed me to stick to my training and reach my goals.Now I am trying to fit running into the schedule of my fellowship and my long commute to the Bronx.That may involve combining running and commuting!