Joe Inger

What’s a talent or hobby you wish you had time to pursue?

Wood working. I've been fortunate to have access to Brown's makerspace and its woodshop, where I've dabbled in woodworking over the past few years. I have so many projects planned, but I just don't have the time to do them all.

What’s one book, movie, or TV show you could watch or read over and over again?

The Hot Zone by Richard Preston. The first time I read this book I genuinely couldn't put it down. The book is a perfect blend of science, history, and horror. It kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time as I learned about the terrifying world of hemorrhagic viruses.

How do you recharge after a stressful day?

Going on a long run while listening to music, I find it to be really helpful to turn my brain off and just be in the moment.

If you could only eat one type of cuisine for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Mediterranean food. If I could, I would be eating Aleppo Sweets or East Side Pockets every day.

How do you approach mental health challenges in such a demanding field?

Other than therapy, talking to my parents has been really helpful. They are both physicians, and talking to them about their experiences in medical school and their medical careers have helped me get through some of my toughest moments so far. It has been so nice to vent to people that really understand the challenges of medicine and the emotions that come along with it.

Dean Steven Rougas

What's a random fact about you that most people don't know?

I grew up learning and eventually teaching traditional Greek folk dancing. I've been dancing since I was 6 and started teaching in my teens. My mother started a Greek folk dance troupe in Cranston that I now run. It's made of all volunteers, youth and young adults from age 5 and up, and consists of over 70 members.

How do you recharge after a stressful day?

One of my go-to happy places after a stressful day is the piano. I am classically trained and played through college. During medical school and residency, I would regularly go to the practice hall after a bad day and just unwind. It engages me both physically and mentally.

What's your favorite season and why?

Summer in RI is just magical. I enjoy late evenings, walks on the beach, and grilling outside. There are so many fantastic places to visit here in New England during the summer. And my guilty pleasure is definitely ice cream on a hot summer day.

What's the best piece of advice you've ever received?

Learn how to fail. Failure or disappointment is a natural part of life. It can be so easy to get stuck in a rut when it happens. Learning how you respond to failure can be self-protective. It gives you a toolbox to pull from when failure occurs, rather than grasping for straws during a high stress time.

What's a habit or ritual you look forward to every day?

Prayer. I grew up Greek Orthodox and have stayed very connected to my faith. I pray every day on my way to work, whether that be at the med school or before a shift in the ED. It helps center me and get me focused for the day. When something comes up or I'm distracted from that routine, I find that something feels like it's missing in my day.