Medical School: Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine at New Mexico State University
University School: Pennsylvania State University
Hey, my name is Shaun Antonio. A few quick and interesting factoids about me are that I was born in Anchorage Alaska. My Dad was in the Air Force, so my mom, older brother, and younger sister moved around a fair amount before settling into Albuquerque, New Mexico. I have a cat named Harrison and a Pomeranian named Mia. I attended the Pennsylvania State University for undergrad, Boston University earning a duel Masters in Medical Sciences and Public Health, and the Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine for medical school. Lastly, I was a nationally competitive gymnast for over twenty years.
The reason that I chose to go into Emergency Medicine was the variety that the field has to offer. I love the idea of never knowing what will walk in through the doors, needing to use all of my medical knowledge and diagnostic abilities, and possessing the skills to perfume lifesaving procedures. The emergency department is also the safety net for some of the most vulnerable populations. It offers a window into the public health of a community, allowing me to use my public health degree and influence social change.
Last year, I had the fortune to have an audition rotation at CHRISTUS Health. I quickly realized that the program possessed all of the qualities that I wanted in a residency. The faculty is passionate about teaching and created a supportive learning environment. Being an unopposed residency is an incredible benefit. Not having to compete with other residents for procedures and patients offers a level of growth and development that I could not imagine having anywhere else. This is particularly true given the high acuity seen at CHRISTUS Health. Being the regional trauma center and caring for so many ill patients, I know that after residency I will have the knowledge and skillset to care for any patient.
Just in case you haven’t heard yet, Corpus Christi is right next to the beach. The ED parking lot has an ocean view and San Padre Island is about a twenty-minute drive. The access to outdoor water sports is a big plus for me. On days off, or if you aren’t too tired after a shift, you can go kayaking with dolphin, windsurf in the Atlantic, or hangout at the beach, have a beer and roast marshmallows on a bonfire. Over the next three years, it is my personal goal to become scuba certified and to learn to kite surf.