Resident Spotlight: Weston Dicken

Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I’m originally from Campbellsville, KY. I went to the University of Kentucky for both undergrad and medical school, and I am a huge Kentucky basketball fan. I started my intern year with Wards at the VA hospital, then did a week of clinic at Emory, and now I’m in the ICU at Grady.

Why did you decide to pursue a career in medicine?
I originally became interested in a career in medicine to be able to make a positive impact on people’s lives. Over time, however, I grew to love the practice of medicine and be driven by the mystery and intrigue of taking a patient’s symptoms and working to come up with a diagnosis and treatment plan. Being able to figure out these mysteries while also helping others is what makes a career in medicine everything I could have hoped for.

How have your first few weeks of residency been?
Amazing and exhausting at the same time. I’ve probably been working harder these first few weeks than I ever have in my life, but despite the long hours I’m really enjoying taking care of my patients and getting to meet all my co-residents.

What are you most looking forward to during your time at Emory?
One thing I love about medicine is taking care of critically ill patients with complicated medical issues. Emory has one of the sickest and most underserved patient populations in the country, so I’m really looking forward to being continually challenged and having the privilege to provide care to the community.

What is your favorite thing about living in Atlanta?
Atlanta offers a little bit of everything. It offers all the entertainment of a big city, but at the same time I’m still able to live in an area of town with a small neighborhood feel and a ton of green space.

Can you share a fun fact?
I couples matched into the internal medicine program here with my fiancé, Lauren, so we get to experience the adventures of Emory and Atlanta by each other’s sides!