Week two reflections
Well, I survived the first 2 weeks and am still smiling!
It's been a bit of a whirlwind, but I've loved meeting people at faculty meetings, senior scholarship day for the residents, listening sessions, fellowship graduation, and individually in my office.
I also had my first meeting with all the division heads and division administrators where I uncharacteristically started with a (low-stress) icebreaker - who knew that the story of one's name would be so interesting? I also gave folks the option to tell me their favorite PNW activity in the summer, so now I have a whole list of options to try for the first time - thanks!
The most striking thing I've noticed in my brief time here is how much people love working here and believe in the UW medicine mission, even when times are tough.
Times are definitely tough in academic medicine right now all across the country, but we have to stick together and try to preserve the deeply held academic mission here at UW.
In my many conversations with faculty and staff, it's been evident that they have been trying to figure out what mission Iām going to prioritize. Clinical? Educational? Research?
The answer is all of the above. No one mission is more important than the other. Just like many of you, I have spent my career balancing clinical, educational, and research missions. Each one has immense value and I will work hard to support you all.
Onto fun non-work things, I got to celebrate my nephew's high school graduation in Everett this past weekend. Again, it's been so fun to be near family.
My dog who seems to be popular amongst the DOM faculty is living her best life and has a new BFF in the neighborhood named Athena. If you look closely, Athena has the squeaky ball in her mouth that Laika so desperately wanted. 
Until next time enjoy the sunny weather,
Tisha
P.S. One more slightly superstitious thing. Before my first COVID ICU stint in 2020, my best friend from childhood sent me a care package and included these "you got this" socks.
I wore them into the COVID ICU and after not contracting COVID and seeing a lot of people survive, I started wearing them during every ICU stint and also during times when I needed an extra boost of self-confidence.
I had to buy many pairs to avoid doing frequent laundry but started giving the socks to my friends' kids for their high school graduation and to junior critical care faculty.
I also gave two pairs to my now 14-year-old niece who wears them during any high-pressure day (first day of school, spelling bee, violin recital etc).
But for her audition to the Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra, this happened - oops! But it worked anyway and she is killing it in SYSO!
Anyway, I have a stash of these socks in my office to hand to anyone who might need a little boost so if you need a pair, feel free to come by. š