Are you in a special track or focus during your residency?
I am in the Global Health Track. My areas of focus are immigrant populations and vulnerable populations in the United States.
Why did you choose UPMC Shadyside Family Medicine Residency Program? Why Pittsburgh?
UPMC Shadyside was my first choice because I felt like the program genuinely cares about the residents. The 2020 Application Cycle was completely virtual due to COVID-19. I felt Shadyside worked hard to give applicants a transparent look at the program in a time when in-person visits and interviews were not an option. The faculty and residents were all willing to answer questions during the interview and after. They also went the extra mile by holding virtual resident hangouts so that applicants could get a better sense of the work culture and atmosphere in a less formal setting. I felt that the dynamics between the residents and faculty were warm, respectful, and collegiate.
I really appreciated the supportive environment of the program. There is a real “Let’s find a way to make it happen” attitude here. The program is flexible and enables residents to follow their passions and interests. If we want to do or learn something, the program is very willing to work with us to find a way to make it possible.
What are your goals while here in the residency program? How will this prepare you to be an excellent physician?
I want to be a competent, capable, and compassionate physician who meets the patient at their level of understanding and move forward together to reach their health goals and improve their health literacy. Especially I want to learn more about community education, health literacy, and motivational interviewing so that I can help future patients with that knowledge.
My goal by the end of residency is to be a well-rounded doctor who can comfortably and confidently handle my patients’ needs myself or know how to get them the resources or help they need.
Do you have any specials interests outside of the residency?
I enjoy reading, taking walks, trying new restaurants, baking, and traveling.