Justine Elshama

What’s a small, everyday thing that always brings you joy?

Going for a walk will always bring me joy! People tend to enjoy exploring different places, but I like sticking to the same routes because it’s beautiful to see how they change over time—whether it’s new flowers blooming, leaves starting to turn, or just noticing small details I hadn’t before. It’s a simple way to slow down, reset, and be reminded of the world around you.

What’s a quality in others that you most admire?

I deeply admire when people show a genuine curiosity about those around them. It’s easy to get wrapped up in our own lives, but I think there’s something incredibly special about someone who listens intently and takes a real interest in what others find important and care most about. That kind of curiosity creates deeper connections and reminds people that their thoughts and experiences are so valuable.

If you weren’t in medical school/medicine, what do you think you’d be doing instead?

Most people know this about me already, but if I weren’t in medical school, I would own a sanctuary for rescued farm animals. I’d spend my days tending to cows, sheep, chickens, dogs — you get the idea. Basically living out my dream of being surrounded by animals and keeping them safe and happy!

How do you celebrate small wins in your life?

My favorite way to celebrate small wins is by sharing them with my family. They’ve worked so hard to give me the opportunities I have today, and every milestone—big or small—feels even more special when I can celebrate it with them. Whether it’s a quick phone call or a dinner together, their support makes every achievement more meaningful.

What’s your favorite way to spend a Saturday morning?

Saturday mornings are best spent with friends and food, so nothing beats brunch! Some friends and I recently visited Irregardless Biscuit in Providence— I highly recommend paying this small breakfast stop a visit!

Dean Roxanne Vrees

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

One random fact about me that most people don’t know is that despite being born and raised in Jamaica, an island surrounded by lots and lots of beautiful water, I never learned how to swim. As a result, you will almost never find me in the water although I am often close-by given my love for being outside and soaking up the sunshine. While swimming is still on my bucket list of skills to achieve, I made sure that both of my kids are very strong swimmers and can save their Mom if need be.

How do you handle moments of self-doubt?

Self-doubt is something I have personally struggled with for the majority of my academic and professional life. As a graduate of the PLME program, I entered medical school constantly wondering if I was good enough or smart enough to be here. Despite matching in my top choice residency program, I still questioned my ability and belonging. As a faculty member and even more so as a Dean, those seeds of self-doubt still exist and emerge from time to time but I have learned to normalize them rather than internalizing them and have come to appreciate that there is no shame in vulnerability, but rather, incredible strength.

What’s your favorite type of physical activity or exercise?

My favorite physical activity is tennis. Tennis isn’t a sport I was exposed to growing up and I didn’t discover it until my late 30s – but I am sure glad I did because it’s one of my favorite things to do. I love that you can enjoy the sport all year round, it can be played inside and outside and as both an individual or with a partner, has a level of play for different abilities, and that you can get an excellent workout while having fun. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a long day and an activity I regularly enjoy with my friends, husband, and kids.

What’s a self-care habit you swear by?

One self-care habit that I swear by is wall-sits. I discovered these several years ago during a routine workout and have since incorporated them into my almost daily routine. These can be done in isolation or as part of another workout and require no special skills or fancy equipment other than access to a wall. Three sets, each 2 minutes, are just enough to reset my focus, engage my core, and achieve great physical results amidst an otherwise demanding schedule.

What’s one change you’ve made to your routine that has been unexpectedly beneficial?

One small change that I have made that has had a big impact on my life is engaging in monthly massage therapy (THANK YOU for the wonderful suggestion Dean Warrier!). Up until very recently, a massage was an indulgence I would splurge on during vacation and only on a very rare occasion. Now, an hour of monthly “me time” that is scheduled, uninterrupted and something to look forward to has reminded me of the value of taking care of myself so that I can best care for the many others who rely on me.