Sandra Swantek, MD

Associate Professor
Department of Psychiatry, Rush Medical College
Role: Clinician
Joined Rush in 2013

Bio

I am a geriatric psychiatrist who is the chief of geriatric psychiatry and the medical director of the inpatient geriatric psychiatry unit.

What inspired you to get into your field?

I was fascinated by the impact of age on emotional and cognitive processes.

What excited you about your work at Rush?

I came to Rush because of the opportunity for collaborative, interdisciplinary care of older adults.

What is your opinion of mentoring and sponsorship? Please comment about your experiences.

Mentoring and sponsorship are the keys to professional growth and success. It is important to be open to nontraditional mentorship opportunities.

Do you have tips or advice you would recommend for someone looking to enter your field of work?

Geriatric psychiatry is a field for the physician interested in both psychiatry and medicine, as well as working with older adults, their families, and an interdisciplinary team. More than a career, it is a passion.

What are your hobbies? How do you like to spend your free time?

Listening to or playing music with my husband and friends and pursuing genealogical questions.