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Justinne Certeza, DO

  • Second Year Resident

Are you in a special track or focus during your residency?

Not in any special track or focus right now, but my interests within family medicine include behavioral health, addiction medicine, and lifestyle medicine.

Why did you choose UPMC Shadyside Family Medicine Residency Program?  Why Pittsburgh?

During my fourth year of medical school, I was fortunate to have spent a month with the inpatient team of UPMC Shadyside Family Medicine. This experience was invaluable in my decision. Every resident I met and worked with went out of their way to make sure that my questions were answered and that I was set up for success. I noticed instantly how the interns’ learning was prioritized even on this busy rotation and appreciated the exceptional culture of feedback practiced by the residency. After interviewing and meeting more of the faculty and residents, I felt the program fosters residents’ growth and independence, while valuing their diversity and unique backgrounds and experiences prior to residency.

Ultimately my husband and I decided on Pittsburgh in search of a new adventure in a city with a rich history, proximity to nature, and with many fun neighborhoods to explore.

What are your goals while here in the residency program?  How will this prepare you to be an excellent physician?

One of my goals is to become a family physician who is compassionate, a responsive listener, and caring patient advocate. In my clinical management, I strive to be prepared and knowledgeable about my patients, while efficient and analytical in my problem solving. Having these goals in mind will allow me to embrace the challenges of residency and find unique learning opportunities with every rotation and patient encounter. While here, I also want to maintain the important relationships in my life and continue to do things that bring me joy, I feel finding this balance is vital to becoming an excellent physician.

Do you have any specials interests outside of the residency?

Outside of residency, I enjoy staying active regularly by running, hiking, and going on nature walks. When I find time, I also love to travel to new cities and visit art museums. Lastly, my favorite way to unwind is watching films or catching up on shows with my husband.

Hometown
Milwaukee, Wisconsin