2009 Update

Greetings from the ‘burgh! As of January 2010, we’ve been in Pittsburgh for 18 months. We’re enjoying life here, and not just because both the Stillers and the Pens had banner years.

Ryan: The big story for me in 2009 was being able to continue teaching. I had a nice adjunct gig at LaRoche College in the spring, but found out mid-summer that they were slashing the department budget and eliminating all adjunct positions. Then, just a few weeks later, Allegheny County Community College called me (I had apparently entered myself into their database when we moved here — I had completely forgotten about it) and asked if I could teach Photography 1 and 2 starting in the fall. Photography was myfirst love in the art world, so I was more than happy to accept. It has gone very well, and I am returning this spring. I’ve also found a good home as a ‘utility musician’ at our church, where I play guitar, bass and occasionally percussion as needed. I’ve found a lot of great bike rides up and down the hills in Pittsburgh, and may do a little racing again in 2010. And, of course, we have our dogs to keep me company when Hillary works longer hours; I’ve become a big fan of Cesar Milan and now consider him to be one of our finest modern-day philosophers.


Hillary: I’m now half-way through with my internal medicine residency, which feels great! The program continues to be a good fit. I’m constantly challenged and humbled by illness, medicine, and our “sickness” care system. I’ve decided to pursue geriatrics and palliative care medicine (each are one year fellowships) and health outcomes research related to critical issues that face older adults at the end of life, especially with respect to transitions in care (i.e. the countless difficulties related to care in multiple settings by multiple providers). Personally, we’ve gotten more used to how each month’s schedule can be very different, and learning to make the most of my time “off”. I definitely miss not being able to travel as freely, but Ryan and the dogs are always happy to hang out with me. We have favorite post-call “breakfast” places and multiple parks that we enjoy walking in.

OTHER 2009 HIGHLIGHTS
10 days in Wichita, spending time with Ryan’s family, including Lori, who was home from her first year of teaching history in Kazakhstan.
Adopting Mika from a local foster organization when he was 6 months old. It’s been great to see the dogs living well together.
An updated bathroom, remodeled basement, and freshly painted rooms. Ryan had a productive summer!
Clinical research courses over the summer, which were great for what I learned, but also for the schedule and chance to join my family in Monterey Bay, CA to celebrate my grandmother’s 85th birthday.