Meet Cheryl O’Malley, M.D.
Associate Dean, Graduate Medical Education, UA COM-P
Describe your morning – what time do you get up, what do you do first, next and what is for breakfast?
I love the early mornings. During quarantine, I have haven’t been using an alarm and so have enjoyed sleeping in until 6 or so but I usually wake up at about 445. I find it to be the best time for me to exercise but also to think and work on priority projects. I just drink black decaf coffee (switched in the last year after figuring out that Starbuck’s decaf Verona is just as tasty as regular!). I never loved breakfast foods and I have been surprised that with intermittent fasting, I have no difference in my hunger.
What happens next? What do you do for lunch?
Next is work on my little Microsoft surface pro (love that thing-I should name it!). Eat lunch at around 11. Leftovers and other quick items. I really like to use what we have at home and not waste food.
What do you do for dinner?
My husband usually prepares dinner and I eat whatever it is!
How do you end the day and what time do you go to bed?
In bed by 9:30 or 10. I try to stay awake until my kids go to bed but I am always sleepy 😉
What art are you doing and when do you do it?
I love repurposing items (home décor and other materials) and I mostly do mixed media art. I use paper, washi tapes, mod podge, paint, stamps, spray paint, ink, water and art sprays on every piece. I also make mixed media flowers using the same materials but also burlap, tulle and other fabrics. They are mostly on magnets to add another layer to the art pieces. I am always thinking about how to improve and love to try new materials. It is a break from thinking about work or life challenges and allows me to make gifts for others. I do it whenever I prioritize carving out time and love to have a table out with projects so I can spend little bits of time here and there. My sister and I both enjoy it and so we try to make time to work on projects together. We even created an etsy shop as a way to share what we make.
What are you reading?
I am always listening to a book and reading one too. Just finished listening to You should talk to someone, Untamed and am currently reading Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi. The most important books that I read this year were White Fragility, Between the World and Me, Just Mercy and Devil in the Grove. There is a lot that I need to educate myself on systemic racism and its continued role in our country.
What are you streaming?
Actually, re watching “ER” with my 15-year-old daughter. She has a budding interest in medicine and it is fun to watch together.
How are you feeling?
Mixed and overwhelmed. Gratitude to have seen such sacrifices on behalf of the lives of health care workers and the community yet that is juxtaposed with fear and loss related to the pandemic. Additionally, the recent deaths from police brutality continuing the very sad pattern is heartbreaking given that it is so much more in our control than a virus. Finally, I continue to feel HOPE. I see love all around me. Pain is there and if we meet it with love, there is great power.
What’s the first thing you’re going to do when the quarantine ends?
Going to hug my sister. Also looking forward to going to in-person meetings and seeing our great team.
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