Philande Bisseng Ntock, MD

After Philande Ntock, MD, interviewed for a position within the Family Medicine Residency program at Beebe Healthcare, she shed a few tears of joy.

“I knew I had found the place that was right for me,” recalls Dr. Ntock. “Dr. Ryan Arias encouraged me to stay calm and think out loud. He reassured me that there were no ‘wrong answers’ and to trust my clinical thinking process. I knew I would love to work with him; someone who values the thought process.”

Dr. Ntock’s time with Katherine Burklew, who serves as Beebe’s Medical Education Business Coordinator, solidified her desire to train in Sussex County, even further. During that interview, Dr. Ntock was asked what she would like to see brought into the program. Her idea was the introduce a self-care/mental health break room for residents – a place to take pause and regroup, in the midst of busy and stressful days.

“She told me that my idea was a great one, and that she was going to share it with others for consideration,” said Dr. Ntock. “It confirmed that the people here really want to engage with residents, and that our ideas will be heard and seriously considered.”

Dr. Ntock’s interest in medicine stems from a personal story she has repeatedly heard throughout her life. She was born very early, and spent time in a neonatal intensive care unit as a newborn. Knowing that her family had very limited financial resources, one of the doctors taking care of her graciously covered the hospital bill.

“Every time the story is told, I am reminded that there is a doctor out there who saved my life. So, my career pathway is truly inspired by my own story,” said Dr. Ntock. “I have the doctor’s name, and I am on a mission to find her so I can thank her for what she did for me and my family.”

The story also inspired Dr. Ntock to choose family medicine as her clinical specialty. She is very interested in providing comprehensive women’s care, but at the same time, is eager to provide care for children, adolescents, middle aged adults, and the geriatric population.

“Specializing in family medicine means I have an opportunity to do it all,” said Dr. Ntock. “As a resident, my goal is to learn about and experience care for people of all ages and walks of life.”

Dr. Ntock earned her medical degree at the St. George’s University School of Medicine in Grenada. As she explored opportunities for residency training, Beebe rose to the top of her list for a number of reasons. The hospital has an excellent reputation, and Dr. Ntock liked the idea of joining a residency program that is new, evolving and growing. She is proud to be part of Beebe’s second class of family medicine residents.

“I think it is exciting to come into a residency program that is only a year old,” said Dr. Ntock. “We get to be part of building the program, and everyone is open to new ideas and perspectives.” Training at a hospital that just so happens to be located in a resort community was a huge added bonus.

Outside of work, Dr. Ntock makes self-care a priority, and Lewes is an ideal place to pursue many of the activities she enjoys, with the beach and many excellent restaurants nearby. “I want to enjoy the breeze, feel the sun, and walk the beach,” said Dr. Ntock. “I am very happy to be here.”