“I’m great, Professor Fox.”
“Please, call me Garrett.”
I nod, as the name does not slip easily through my lips.
A woman and two other men appear in boxes next to Professor Fox and introduce themselves.
“Thank you for taking the time to meet with us, Sage. I understand you’re in Los Angeles,” says the man with black-rimmed glasses who introduced himself as Dr. Kevin Mackie.
“Yes, I am. I appreciate you accommodating the interview through video.”
“Oh, it’s no problem at all,” he says. “So, tell us a bit about yourself and why you are interested in this position.”
While I prepared an answer to this question, my heart holds back and my response is admittedly a little lifeless. I can tell the interviewers are unimpressed and Professor Fox’s smile falters a little.
“To give you a bit of background about the position,” continues Dr. Mackie despite my lackluster response. “It would require you to study physical rehabilitation methods at the hospital, assess treatment effectiveness of patients, and develop new techniques to improve patient outcomes.”
“And this will only be done through observation?” I ask, even though I already assume it to be the case.
“No, not at all. We will conduct clinical trials, analyze patient data, and collaborate withhealthcare professionalsto advance physiotherapy practices within the hospital.”
I didn’t expect that answer. It intrigues me to learn that the position would be a collaborative one with a multitude of healthcare professionals and won’t just collect data but implement it as well. I assumed this research was knowledge based, but hearing that it is intended to be put into practice at the hospital excites me.
“How quickly would the implementation happen?” I ask cautiously, keeping my voice calm.
“Immediately, if all professionals agree. If we see a pattern and think it can work for the patient, with their consent, we will go ahead and try it.”
My heart races at the possibility of leading research and experimenting with new methods to treat people and heal them. Not just talk or theorize about it but actually help them. I ask a few more questions that are quickly answered and Professor Fox’s smile returns.
“How many weeks or months of the year would this position require me to be in New York?” I ask.
Dr. Mackie’s eyebrows pull together, looking a little confused. When he doesn’t reply right away, his colleague Dr. Miranda Lewis says, “Well, other than your vacation weeks, you’re required to be in New York the entire time. Is that a problem?”
It is on the tip of my tongue to say yes, but Professor Fox chimes in. “Is there potential to do some of the research off site?”
Dr. Mackie shakes his head, but Dr. Lewis is the one who answers. “Not at this time.”
“I see,” I say. “In that case, I must tell you that I am not looking to relocate.”
Dr. Mackie purses his lips and crosses his arms over his chest. “This would be an incredible opportunity for someone like yourself so soon out of graduate school.”
“Yes, I am well aware.”
“Ms. Summers. Based on Professor Fox’s recommendation, your questions today, and your research paper for your thesis, you are exactly the sort of candidate we are looking for. However, if it is not the right fit for you, we understand. We will be making our decision in the next few weeks. Should anything change, please let us know.”
“Thank you. I appreciate you considering me for this position, and if there is any remote work in the future, please do keep me in mind.”
I could swear Dr. Mackie mumbled something under his breath when I mentioned remote, but it wasn’t audible. I understand how difficult it would be to work remotely in this type of position. I would need to see the patients and work with them, but I can’t imagine leaving the Falls. So, that is the end of it. Something else will come up. I’m sure of it.
I change my blouse and throw on a tank top before heading off to meet Casey at his apartment.
He’s waiting for me outside when I turn the corner. He’s wearing shorts, a light hoodie and a Jets baseball cap. A smile creeps on his face when he spots me and he jogs over. “Hey,” he says and there’s an awkward pause as I feel like he’s about to lean in and kiss me. He does, only his lips find my cheek. “How did your interview go?”
I shrug. “Okay. We realized I’m not the right fit.”
“Really? That’s too bad.”
Wanting to change the subject, I turn around. “You’re up and ready early this morning.”
