Another emergency physician, Richard Shoemaker, MD, of Delaware County Memorial Hospital in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania, also competed in ANW this year.¹

Reflecting on the event, Dr. Stankus said it’s most important to maximize your strength-to-weight ratio. It’s also important to be well rested since most competitors are awake for nearly 24 hours before their run. “It is a bit intimidating to be on national television with a big audience, cameras, and lights in your face while facing obstacles you never tried before,” she admitted. “Keeping a positive focus and calm nerves is important, but I’m used to that as an emergency physician.”

Dr. Kaufman also sees commonalities between being a ninja and an attending emergency physician, such as working under pressure, dealing with many personalities, and working in the middle of the night.

Unfortunately, Dr. Stankus will not advance to the next round this year. She expects it will take several years of training and competing before being successful, as has been the case with many other competitors. She plans to reapply to be on ANW next year and believes her chances of being selected are good since previous competitors are often chosen again.

“I eventually expect to make it to the Las Vegas finals because I don’t give up until I reach my goals,” she said.

Follow Dr. Stankus on Twitter at @JenniferStankus and Dr. Kaufman on Twitter at @climberdoc and on Instagram @boulderdoc.

Editor’s Note: This article has been update to include Dr. Richard Shoemaker.

Reference

1. Wascavage M. Crozer-Keystone ER doctor to compete on ‘American Ninja Warrior.’ Crozer-Keystone Health System website. June 11, 2015. Available at www.crozerkeystone.org/news/press-releases/2015/june/dcmh-er-doctor-to-compete-on-american-ninja-warrior. Accessed December 15, 2015.

Karen Appold is a medical writer in Pennsylvania.