Meet Sonal Haerter, MD | Creighton University School of Medicine-Phoenix

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sonal Haerter, MD and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sonal, what’s the most difficult decision you’ve ever had to make?
The most difficult decision I’ve ever made was to move to the United States in my early 20s. I left my family behind in India to pursue my dreams and it was the hardest decision of my life.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am fortunate to work with medical students from their first to their fourth year. One of my favorite parts is teaching first-year medical students patient interviewing and physical exam skills. Connecting with our patients on a human level is foundational to keeping joy in medicine. With evolving technology, it is especially prudent to model an effective doctor-patient relationship and the value it brings to the lives of patients and physicians.

One of the projects I am incredibly proud of is our ‘wellbeing project,’ a medical student wellness project I lead alongside student representatives from each class. Our goal is to facilitate wellness events all year round. Our wellness events include fitness classes, healthy cooking, cultural celebrations, and social gatherings. Medical students always report this as one of their favorite activities.

What I have learned from my journey in medicine is that wellness at work is just as important as wellness outside of work. It is very important to have authentic friendships with people you work with. Medicine is a calling. It can get hard at times and having a community behind you can be lifesaving. I strive to humanize medicine so that doctors can feel comfortable asking for help and don’t work alone in isolated silos. I care deeply about physician wellness and reducing the rate of physician suicides. My goal is to promote the importance of well-being and balance to the next generation of doctors.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
When in Arizona, I recommend you start your day at the Botanical Garden and hike Camelback Mountain for stunning views. Explore Old Town Scottsdale and Sedona for culture and charm, and indulge in some shopping. For food, try The Mission or Toca Madeira for Mexican, Nobu or Roka Akor for Japanese, Lons or Elements for Southwestern, Steak 44 for steaks, and/or Ocean 44 for seafood.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Big shoutout to my parents, my husband, and my two boys who are extremely supportive of my dreams and ambitions. I am also grateful to Creighton University Health Sciences (Phoenix Campus) School of Medicine and Dignity Health for giving me incredible opportunities to grow as an educator and a leader. My friend and colleague at Creighton, Dr. Nicole Piemonte, deserves a special shoutout for her excellent mentorship and guidance.

Website: https://www.creighton.edu/healthsciences

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creightonphx/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonal-haerter-0ab1319/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/creighton

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creightonuniversity

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Creighton1878

Other: https://www.instagram.com/drsonalzhaertnsoul/