FEATURED TRAINEE - Ana Martinez Garcia, MS

HOW DID YOU GET INTERESTED IN BSM?

During my first practicum at the Guided Self Change Clinic at Nova Southeastern University (NSU), I began treating clients with various health concerns, including sleep difficulties. Through the exposure and training I received at this practicum, I discovered a passion and academic interest in the field of BSM.

WHO ARE YOUR BSM MENTORS?

My mentors in behavior sleep medicine are Dr. Ana Fins from Nova Southeastern University and Dr. William Wohlgemuth from the Miami Veterans Affair’s Hospital. I also want to recognize Dr. Linda Sobell and Dr. Mark Sobell, who mentored me in the area of health psychology.

WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER GOALS?

My short-term career goal is to finish my doctorate in clinical psychology at NSU in Fort-Lauderdale, Florida. During this journey, I hope to emerge myself as much as possible in learning more about sleep psychology and health psychology. My long-term goals are to work in a multi-disciplinary center or hospital compromised of physicians and psychologists that specialize in sleep treatment.

WHAT IS YOUR DREAM JOB?

My dream job is working in an integrative environment that offers holistic care to their patients who suffer from various sleep disorders.

WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE THE FIELD OF BSM IN 10 YEARS?

In 10 years, I see the field of BSM being more recognized not only by the health providers, but also by the general public. I also believe that the field would be offering more preventive care alternatives for individuals at all ages experiencing many of the sleep disorder that exist today and might exists in the future.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE THINGS TO DO AWAY FROM THE OFFICE?

I enjoy spending times with my friends and family, going to the beach, going on walks and playing with my dogs. I also enjoy part-taking in social and community outreach activities within the Ethnic Minority Association of Graduate Students at Nova Southeastern University.

WHAT IS YOUR NEXT VACATION OR DREAM VACATION DESTINATION?

My dream vacation destination is Australia; nevertheless, my best vacations are visiting my family and friends in Puerto Rico.

WHAT EXPERIENCES HAVE HELPED SHAPE YOUR TRAINING IN BSM?

Working in the Guided Self Change Clinic at NSU helped shaped my training in BSM. During this practicum year, l learned to interview and  diagnose clients with sleep disorder; as well as provide individual, evidence–based, cognitive behavioral therapy for clients diagnosed with insomnia (CBT-I), in both English and Spanish. During my second year practicum, I will be working with a multi-disciplinary team in the Behavior Medicine Sleep Clinic at the Miami Veteran’s Affair Hospital. Here, I will have the opportunity to become familiarized with interviewing and diagnosing patients with sleep disorders, understanding the results of overnight PSG,and learning about appropriate treatment for a wide range of sleep disorders. I will also be conducting applied behavior therapy for sleep disorders, such as CBT-I and brief motivational enhancement therapy for veterans struggling with adherence for prescribed treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). I will also be leading weekly group sessions discussing risks for, etiology of and treatment for OSA among newly diagnosed veterans.

WHAT RESOURCES HAVE HELPED TO ADVANCE YOUR TRAINING?

I believe that the Society of Behavior Sleep Medicine is a great resource that will greatly enhance my training in BSM. Other resources that have been instrumental in enhancing my training in BSM are my clinical supervisors and mentors.