Bret
Pinsker
Bret  Pinsker
Junior Assistant Resident
House Staff

Basics

Hometown
Palo Alto, California

College/University
Johns Hopkins University

Medical School
Duke University School of Medicine

What are your career goals?
I would like to pursue a career in academic cardiology

Reflections on the Duke Program

What were you looking for in a residency program?
I was hoping to match with a program that both harbored a strong sense of community and would challenge me as a trainee.

What are the strengths of the Duke Program?
The people! From attendings to fellows, residents, medical students, and pretty much everyone else that helps make up this awesome community, Duke has been a wonderful place to study and train. I went here for medical school and really had an opportunity to appreciate that as a student. It was one of the reasons I didn't want to leave!

What are your observations about the relationships between faculty and house staff?
Faculty have been wonderfully supportive on both a professional and personal level. Everyone is incredibly approachable and happy to both teach and mentor trainees.

Tell us about your co-residents. What has helped you connect, support each other, and form friendships?
My co-residents have been absolutely wonderful. Everyone has various backgrounds and interests, and it has been remarkably easy to bond and form strong friendships since starting intern year! On the wards, I'm impressed by and learn from my co-residents every day!

About Life in Durham

What is the best thing about living in Durham and the Triangle?
I think the Triangle has something to offer for people of all different backgrounds. On top of that, the cost of living is great and there's never any traffic!

How does the Triangle appeal to people of diverse backgrounds?
The Triangle has a little bit of everything - the food and music scenes out here are great, and if you enjoy the outdoors there are so many fun activities to take advantage of. There's also a great sports scene between Duke basketball, the Durham Bulls, and the Carolina Hurricanes. Lastly, if you enjoy the feel of a bigger city, Raleigh is only 20 minutes away and offers a ton of fun things to do!

Where did you choose to live and why?
I chose to live downtown. It's very close to the hospital, as well as a number of great food and nightlife options that the city has to offer.

What are your interests outside of medicine?
I love to play basketball with my co-residents and golf as much as I can! I also grew up swimming and playing water polo, and enjoy those activities as well!

House Staff