Dr. Katie Allen is an assistant professor in the Division of General Medicine and Clinical Epidemiology. Her research and clinical interests include medical education, Women’s Health, MOUD (medication for Opioid Use Disorder), and underserved populations. Dr. Allen believes it is imperative that patients understand their disease processes, and I strive to teach patients about disease in a way that they can comprehend.
What brought you to UNC Medical Center?
My dad is from Smithfield, North Carolina and is a huge Tar Heel. I did an acting internship here as a fourth year medical student and fell in love with the program and the people. I came to UNC for residency, completed my chief resident year, and am excited to continue as faculty! Go Heels!
Where are you from?
I am from Ocala, Florida. Reportedly the “Horse Capital of the World”.
Did you always want to be a doctor?
Yes. For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be a doctor like my parents. I also wanted to be a teacher and once I realized I could teach as a physician, I was sold!
How did you choose your specialty?
I chose my specialty after shadowing in college. I worked with internists and loved how they would always dig deep, ask why things were happening, and loved to teach. My third year rotations in medical school solidified my love for Internal Medicine.
What do you find most rewarding about your work?
I love that I have continuity with my patients and I get to know them over time. Realizing that medicine isn’t about quick fixes is critical in primary care. Partnering with my patients to help them understand and control chronic disease processes is extremely rewarding.
What are some of the new developments in your field of specialty?
I think one of the most exciting developments in Internal Medicine recently is having more medications that can help with weight loss, namely GLP-1 agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors. Obesity is multifactorial and shouldn’t just be attributed to people’s choices. Many of my patients work multiple jobs, don’t have time to exercise, and can’t necessarily afford to take the time or pay the money for healthier food options. Many of them have also tried diet changes and exercise regimens to no avail. Normalizing treatment of obesity with medications is critical, not to mention that these medicines can also be used for diabetes and for heart disease!
Is there a particular achievement (professional or personal) that has been most gratifying to you?
It was an honor to be asked to be a chief resident. During my time as ambulatory chief from 2021-2022 I was able to implement clinic teams for the residents. In these teams, residents have assigned clinic days and work with the same care partners and attendings over the course of the year. With this new structure, resident interest in clinic has increased and we have seen improvements in resident continuity with care partners, attendings and patients. I am so grateful to have been a part of this project and am excited I will be staying on as faculty to continue improving our clinic experience for residents.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Do your best, forget the rest. Remember that your best can be different on different days, so have grace with yourself.
If you weren’t a physician, what would you like to be doing?
If I weren’t a physician, I would likely be teaching. I’m not sure what age group, but it would likely be either math (I particularly loved calculus), organic chemistry, or physics!
What hobbies do you enjoy?
I enjoy trying a lot of different hobbies. When I was younger, I rode horses and played piano. I still do those occasionally, but have also tried things like Muay Thai, dance classes with my fiancée, and am now a huge proponent of Orange Theory Fitness. I realize the most important thing is to remember you don’t have to be “good” at your hobbies. Just have fun!
Do you have a favorite quote or life motto?
Take everything one step at a time and try to be present in everything you do, not thinking about the long list of other items you need to complete later. If it’s important, it will get done eventually!
What was the last book you read?
The Four Agreements