New faculty Q&A with Malinda West, MD

Malinda West, MDMalinda West, MD

Clinical Assistant Professor
Division of Hospital Medicine
Medical School: St. George’s University, Grenada
Residency: Georgia Regent’s University, Augusta, Georgia
Joined the Department of Medicine: July, 2017

What is your primary professional focus in any or all of our mission areas (clinical, research, and/or medical education)?
Focusing on patient care and navigating my way through the hospital is number one. Eventually, I'm excited to be more involved with teaching residents/ med students and working on research projects as they arise.

What drew you to UW-Madison and the Department of Medicine?
My husband and I are original midwesterners (Illinois and Ohio) who moved up here from Georgia where we completed our residencies. Madison attracted us because it's a great city and closer to family. I love the environment of academic medicine and so knew UW was the right fit for me.

What are you most excited about during your first year with the department in this role?
Getting to know my colleagues and taking good care of patients.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
Baking with my kids- a 3 year old and 1 year old. A messy, but tasty endeavor. Also, I love playing old arcade games and doing anything outdoors- hiking, biking, tennis, ping pong, picnics, parks.

Favorite piece of advice from a mentor or inspiring figure in your life?
"Be kind and do what makes you happy!" - My mother

"I am driven by two main philosophies: know more today about the world than I knew yesterday and lessen the suffering suffering of others." - Neil deGrasse Tyson