Are you in a special track or focus during your residency?
I am in the Osteopathic Recognition Track, and I also have special interests in underserved care, quality improvement, and community medicine.
Why did you choose UPMC Shadyside Family Medicine Residency Program? Why Pittsburgh?
While searching for a good fit for residency, I wanted to find a program that prioritized its people, ensuring the well-being of its residents, faculty, and staff as well as working closely with its surrounding communities and patients. UPMC Shadyside had the perfect combination of having the backing of a large academic institution partnered with its deeply-embedded community ties, and after interviewing with them, it felt like the one place I felt most at home. From the camaraderie between residents and faculty to the drive for innovative ways of thinking about and approaching medicine, I felt that UPMC Shadyside was the best place for me to build a new family and gain invaluable skills from those who were so evidently compassionate and passionate masters of their trade. I lived in Ohio for a couple of years and frequently visited Maryland but had funnily enough never set foot in Pennsylvania before moving to Pittsburgh for residency. I had only heard amazing things about the city, and having experienced it for myself now, I can only confirm that it feels like a hidden gem. Some of the best-selling points for me so far have been the beautiful skyline views, the unique neighborhoods, the endless options for good food, the green spaces everywhere, and, of course, the enthusiasm that Pittsburghers have for being Pittsburghers.
What are your goals while here in the residency program? How will this prepare you to be an excellent physician?
Throughout my time here, I hope to sharpen my clinical and humanistic skills—from interpreting labs and imaging to becoming a better listener and champion for my patients. Beyond these skills, I hope to find avenues to enhance my public health background and participate more in quality improvement and behavioral and community health initiatives. Tackling these goals will help me increase the scope and quality of my future practice, wherever it may be.
Do you have any special interests outside of the residency?
My husband and I are always on the quest for the next best trail (checking off national parks if we have the time!), restaurant, museum, or hangout spot. Other than thoroughly enjoying downtime with family, I travel when I can and love the occasional dabble in the odd arts and crafts project.