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.
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.
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.
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.
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.