#WhyIChoseUAB: I loved the camaraderie among the residents here. I could tell right away everyone was supportive of each other, and the group really seemed like a family. 
Fun Fact: When I was born my dad wanted to name me "Shelby Schroder" and my brothers wanted to name me either "Mufasa" or "Chip Bag." Thank god my mom vetoed and I got the name "Paige."
Favorite part of the program/UAB or something you love about the program: We really are a family! I was looking for a residency program where my class would be my second family and I would feel supported by my co-residents and faculty, and I have definitely found that at UAB. I wanted residency to not only be a top-notch educational and training experience, but also fun and allow me to enjoy my personal life too. My class is 21 residents from 20 different medical schools, so we came from all over and most of us didn't know anyone in Birmingham when we first moved here. This helped us bring us all together pretty quickly and we've had a blast exploring and getting to know Birmingham and each other over the last 3 years. I moved here from Ohio with my now husband and we went from knowing no one to having a solid support system in a matter of weeks. I love that our spouses are included in our resident family. My husband has made some of his best friends in my class and he loves to bake homemade chocolate chip cookies for me to bring into work, which everyone loves. The cookies are sooo good... ask anyone. 
I also love that the faculty at UAB are here to support us. They create a comfortable learning environment and make work fun. They really care about us and make changes based on our feedback. I know I could go to anyone in the department if I needed help and I would get it. We are a big program, which was my one worry about choosing UAB, but I really do not feel lost in the crowd. I feel like the whole department knows me, and I really feel at home.
My neighborhood and why I like it: Crestline- lots of young families, very walkable with parks and trails, great neighborhood restaurants, and a quick 10 min drive to the hospital.  
Favorite spots for a date night: Bettola, El Barrio, Bamboo, Blueprint on Third, Le Fresca, Collins Bar and many others! We also love to go to Birmingham Barron's baseball games in the summer. 
Best park, trail, or golf course/Where I take in the scenic views: Ruffner Mountain State Park, Oak Mountain State Park, Jemison Park, Irondale Furnace Trail
Why I like Birmingham: I love the outdoors, and there are tons of great hiking spots in Birmingham. I take my goldendoodle Leo on adventures whenever I can! Also, the restaurants are amazing. Birmingham really surprised me with its food scene, and I still have a lot of places I can't wait to try. There are some great local breweries too. Trim Tab is hands down the best beer I've ever had.