Kimberly Lemkin, M.D.
Completed Psychiatry Training in Massachusetts, Practising in Massachusetts
B.S. in Neuroscience with minor in Judaic Studies, 2011
Describe your job responsibilities:
Right now, I’m finishing my residency training in psychiatry in Boston, MA. Residency training consists of direct clinical care with learning and education. My program has rotations in both inpatient and outpatient care. Management of patients with various mood, anxiety, and psychotic disorders are supervised by attending physicians in these settings. I have learned and practiced psychopharmacology and therapy as part of my training. In addition, I am administrative chief resident and serve as mentor for the other residents and schedule our didactic series. I am also chief resident in our consultation/liaison service and in the emergency room. My schedule is active but I am honored to have the chief roles. I plan to pursue a consultation/liaison psychiatry fellowship in the area following residency and I plan to stay in academic medicine following fellowship.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
I truly enjoy my work. I find that it is challenging and rewarding. This will allow for continued growth during my entire career. My work can truly make a difference in a person’s life. I’ve been fortunate to work with great colleagues and mentors, too.
Tell us about studying at the Frankel Center:
I am Jewish; I was adopted as an infant. Due to my unique background, it has always been important to me to continue learning about my heritage and others. Studying at the Frankel Center continued my education in Judaic studies following my time at Hillel Day School in Metropolitan Detroit. I was fortunate to even learn along with some of my friends and classmates since kindergarten while at U-M.
How did your education prepare you for your current job?
Psychiatry work consists of connecting with patients. I have found that education about cultures and backgrounds has fostered by ability to connect with others.
Who are some of the UM professors who inspired you?
I really enjoyed working with my Hebrew teachers- Milka Eliav and Doron Lamm. I remember my first blue book exam in Victor Lieberman’s class as a junior!
What advice would you give to students who are considering studying Judaic Studies?
I would recommend any student to take a course in the Frankel Center. It’s a smaller community. The classes are more intimate and allow for better learning. This was particularly true for me as many of my courses as a science major were large and without a community feel. A motivated student would thrive in this community.
