Marcella Pascualy, MD is an associate professor in the UW Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences. Dr. Pascualy is the Medical Director of the VA Puget Sound Health Care System Consultation-Liaison Service and the director of the UW Consultation-Liaison Fellowship. Integrated care training is an integral part of the Consultation-Liaison Fellowship and Dr. Pascualy works closely with Ramanpreet Toor, MD, the director of the Integrated Care Fellowship, to ensure this objective.
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What led you to where you are today professionally?
I chose to become a physician because I have always been drawn to science. I chose to specialize in psychiatry because of my interest in the brain and advocacy for the mentally ill. I have focused my career on teaching psychiatry and doing what I can to minimize stigma associated with mental illness.
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What is the best praise or advice you’ve received?
The best advice I have received came from my father, a lawyer who encouraged me to always speak up for what I thought was right. He listened to me even if, ultimately, I was rarely able to change his opinion.
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Describe your perfect day outside of work (real or imagined).
Being able to be present and tranquil, contemplating the beauty of nature or awe-inspiring art with the ones I love.
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Who was your favorite teacher and why?
In fourth grade, I admired how my homeroom teacher took time to explain math to a friend that was struggling in class. She was a gifted teacher that treated my friend with incredible respect and kindness, preserving my friend's dignity. I remember my friend feeling special because of the way our teacher had treated her, and my feeling inspired to become a teacher.