Gilbert M Acevedo, MD, serves as a hospitalist at the Durham VA Medical Center. Dr. Acevedo joined our GIM faculty as a Medical Instructor in July 2019, immediately after completing his Duke internal medicine residency. When you read our interview you'll gain insights about his motivation and attraction for this particular career position.
What brought you to Duke?
I went to medical school in Denver, CO and decided to come to Duke for internal medicine residency. I thought the triangle was a great place for myself and my family and the training program had practically everything I was looking for. I decided to stay because I loved working at the VA during my training. I had always envisioned my career being involved with a VA in some capacity due to my upbringing in a military family. Given my familiarity with the Durham VA, my experiences with the various VA hospitalists during training, and our love of the triangle, I think it is a great fit for me.
What are your interests in the field?
From the medical side, I have a lean towards cardiology. I am also interested in sepsis management and am becoming more interested in residency training/education throughout my first year as an attending.
How did you get into this specific field?
I started training thinking I would sub-specialize. However, I found that I enjoyed the scope of inpatient general medicine a great deal. With that and several lifestyle considerations, I decided to become a hospitalist.
Is there any research you are doing or plan on doing?
None currently, although I am interested in sepsis management protocols at the VA and hope to start work on better identification and early standardized treatment of sepsis within our system.
What are your hobbies or interests outside of work?
I have 2 small children (2 & 4) so my wife and I spend most of our time trying to keep them alive and happy. They love going to the life and science museum most of all, but recently we have been doing our best to keep them entertained at home. When my wife and I can get some free time, we love binging on popular shows and going to the movies. In my alone time, I like to read, play video games, and play poker when the opportunity arises.
Photo: Dr. Acevedo (left) and father at an Eagles home game vs the Giants. "It was a little rainy, but the Eagles had an amazing come from behind win in overtime. Go birds!!"
Any recent books you've read that you would like to share?
I am a big fan of fantasy fiction and am currently re-reading A Song of Ice and Fire series.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I grew up in a military family and have lived in Delaware, Colorado, and Hawaii.
What is your favorite food?
It's hard to name one, but blue crabs are something I love and grew up eating, and I rarely get the chance to eat anymore.