Thank You to Our June Medical Students: Molly Smith (SUNY) & Sheilla Salcedo (CUNY)

When did you decide to go to medical school?

I didn’t decide to attend medical school until college. I started as an undergraduate majoring in biomedical engineering and hoped to one day develop artificial skin for burn victims. During a summer internship, I realized that I wanted to work directly with and help people in my career. I tried to form meaningful connections with the individuals I was serving. After a lot of debate, I changed majors and decided to apply to medical school!

When/how did you decide that you wanted to be a psychiatrist?

I decided that I wanted to be a psychiatrist during my third-year rotation on the child/adolescent inpatient unit. I was able to carry my own patients throughout the rotation, and I observed the close relationship that psychiatrists can form with their patients. Psychiatry would allow me to build long-term relationships with patients and be a source of support and comfort. I enjoy forming long-term therapeutic relationships with patients and being there for them through some of the most challenging moments of their lives.

How have you been spending your time at Silver Hill Hospital? Do you have any particular insights or initial reactions to the work you are doing?

I am incredibly grateful for this rotation at SHH and have had the opportunity to observe a wide variety of practices in psychiatry. I have been fortunate enough to work mainly with Dr. Ryan Wade in Addiction Services and the dual-diagnosis residential program throughout my four weeks. Additionally, I have had weekly lectures from Dr. Ryan Flanagan on psychopharmacology and Dr. Jeffrey Katzman on tailored-made lessons. The rotation has also allowed me to join psychiatrists in different programs, including Dr. Brent Penque in admissions, Dr. Sophia Walker in inpatient services, and Dr. Emily Haas in the Triumph program. 

Do you have a favorite spot on campus, or a favorite meal from the cafeteria?

My favorite spot on campus is the lawn outside of Main House on West Campus. I’ve enjoyed walking through the space, examining the various plants, and listening to the water from the fountain. It is such a beautiful space and is a great place to take a step back and unwind. I have also seen some fascinating wildlife while sitting here! The Silver Hill Campus is beautiful, and I’m trying to appreciate all the greenery before heading back to NYC.

What are your plans after you finish up at Silver Hill Hospital?

After my rotation at Silver Hill, I will return to Brooklyn and begin rotating at Kings County Hospital in the adult inpatient unit. Additionally, I will be working on my application for psychiatry residency!

What do you enjoy doing in your free time (such as it is)?

When I have free time, I enjoy reading romance novels, baking various desserts, and spending time outdoors in Prospect Park. I recently got an outdoor volleyball net, and I am excited to put it to use this summer!

When did you decide to go to medical school?

I’ve wanted to be a doctor for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I naturally took on the caregiver role in my family, always looking after my younger cousins and “playing doctor” whenever I could. But it was really after my grandfather passed away that I started to think about medicine as a career seriously. Being accepted into the Sophie Davis BS/MD program was a big moment for me—it made me feel like maybe this path was meant for me after all.

When/how did you decide that you wanted to be a psychiatrist?

Honestly, I didn’t expect to fall in love with psychiatry. I’ve always been fascinated by the brain and human behavior, but I wasn’t sure if psychiatry was the right fit for me until my third-year rotation. That’s when I realized how much I enjoyed connecting with patients, listening to their stories, and really trying to understand their experiences. Silver Hill deepened my interest even more. I found myself drawn to patients who are often misunderstood or overlooked, and I felt like I was exactly where I was supposed to be. Having faced my own challenges, I think I’m able to relate to patients on a more personal level. I know what it’s like to feel overwhelmed, and that helps me approach others with more empathy and patience. Psychiatry has taught me that resilience isn’t always about “bouncing back”—sometimes it’s just about finding the strength to keep going, even when things are tough. That lesson has really stayed with me.

How have you been spending your time at Silver Hill Hospital? Any insights or initial reactions?

My time at Silver Hill has been an incredible experience. From the start, I felt so welcomed—Ms. Michelle Robinson and the whole team made me feel right at home, and I even got to know people outside of the clinical staff, like Jason from IT and Joey from security.

I spent two weeks in the Neuropsychiatric Program with Dr. Donna Anthony at the Lodge, and then two weeks in the Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Program with Dr. Elizabeth Ortiz-Schwartz. I also attended weekly psychotherapy sessions with Dr. Jeff Katzman and pharmacology lectures with Dr. Ryan Flanagan. Observing ketamine therapy with Dr. Brent Penque and ECT with Dr. Sophia Walker was fascinating, and I also worked with Dr. Walker on the Acute Care Unit.

Some highlights for me included attending psychodrama sessions with Dr. Frank Bartolomeo and witnessing a case of dissociative identity disorder with Dr. Emily Haas. Meeting Dr. Rocco Marotta, a legend at the Lodge, and Dr. Andrew Gerber, the President and Medical Director, was truly amazing!

What stood out most was how human psychiatry felt at Silver Hill. It wasn’t just about diagnoses and treatment plans—it was about really seeing people, meeting them where they are, and building trust through small, everyday moments. The connections I made here—with both patients and staff—are something I’ll always treasure.

Do you have a favorite spot on campus, or a favorite meal from the cafeteria?

My favorite spot is the garden with the waterfall in front of the main campus. I often see birds, bunnies, butterflies, and beautiful flowers. Sometimes I spot chipmunks, weasels, and squirrels.

What are your plans after you finish up at Silver Hill Hospital?

After this rotation, I’ll be heading to Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx to work in the Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP). I’ll also complete my other core rotations in Emergency Medicine, ICU, and Neurology, and then I’ll apply to residency.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time (such as it is)?

In my free time, I enjoy game nights with friends, exploring and rating new restaurants, and engaging in creative activities like coloring, photography, or wandering neighborhoods. I recently started snowboarding, work on a narrative medicine blog, and rejoined badminton this summer, my favorite sport. Most of all, I look forward to spending more time with my family now that my schedule is opening up!