Vivian
Chen-Andrews
Vivian  Chen-Andrews
Senior Assistant Resident, Med-Peds
House Staff

Start Year: 2020

Basics

Hometown
Raleigh, NC

Where did you attend university/college?
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Where did you attend medical school?
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine

What are your career goals?
I would like to continue seeing both adult and pediatric populations, though currently undecided in the specifics - leaning towards either hospital medicine or congenital cardiology focusing on transition of care.

Reflections on the Duke Program

What were you looking for in a residency program?
I wanted to be at a place with strong categorical departments but also one that had a unique and prominent Med/Peds presence. I was also looking for a program that prioritized residency wellness while also maintaining a rigorous academic environment with an emphasis on teaching.

What are the strengths of the Duke Program?
Duke does an incredible job preparing you for a successful career after residency. In the brief time I've worked with the chiefs and senior residents so far, I've already seen the sheer amount of clinical and professional growth that will come from training in an encouraging and positive learning environment.

What are your observations about the relationships between faculty and house staff?
Absolutely positive. There is a huge amount of respect by the faculty for the work we house staff do, and vice versa. Faculty have taken the time to make sure we are consistently learning, seeing the opportunity to teach in every clinical scenario, all the while making sure we are cared for in and out of the hospital.

Tell us about your co-residents. What has helped you connect, support each other, and form friendships?
They're amazing. We have a variety of different personalities and academic interests, but from day one we have loved each other and supported one another 100%. We started a group chat immediately and have organized hangouts from the get-go. The categorical residents have also been welcoming us with open arms. I'm incredibly proud of how our class has handled the transition into residency with such grace - entering the medical field during such a pivotal time inevitably bonds us in crazy ways.

About Duke University and Durham

What has surprised you most about Duke?
The genuine kindness of each person I've met. I remember being told multiple times during my interview that the Duke family is unparalleled - and they were serious! Everybody - whether it be faculty, support staff, or co-residents - truly want the best for you.

What is the best thing about living in Durham and the Triangle?
Cost of living!!!!! It cannot be overstated enough how affordable it is to live in the Triangle. Durham is an up-and-coming city that has so much to offer, especially when it comes to food and things to do.

 Where did you choose to live and why?
I live right in the middle between UNC and Duke since I couples-matched with my husband. Both our commutes to our hospitals are under 10 minutes.

What are your interests outside of medicine?
Trying new restaurants with friends, exploring downtown, attending concerts, going to the beach

House Staff