Basics
Hometown
North Tonawanda, NY
College/University
University of Rochester
Medical School
University of Michigan Medical School
What are your career goals?
I'm not entirely sure at this point...I LOVE medicine overall and I'm having a hard time deciding which direction I'd like to go in. But, since I love a little bit of everything, I'm leaning toward being a hospitalist (and maybe also a PCP if I could make those work together). I love teaching and medical education, so regardless of where I end up, I do know that I want to stay in academic medicine as a clinician-educator of some sort.
Reflections on the Duke Program
What were you looking for in a residency program?
I couples matched with my wife, so being at a program that was supportive of couples training together was a top priority. Our program director (Dr. Zaas) and her husband did their IM training together, and when we talked about this during my interview day I knew Duke IM could be an amazing fit for us! Culture of the program (#DukeFam is incredible and as real as it seemed via Zoom), quality/breadth or training, and liveability/quality of life outside of the hospital were also high on our priority list.
What are the strengths of the Duke Program?
The program leadership is incredibly strong. They are enthusiastic, make an effort to connect and keep in touch with the residents, and strive to make changes to better the overall training experience. The 4+2 structure is a great way to bring some balance (you will often hear people say "diastole" because Duke LOVES cardiology - another huge strength of the program if that is an interest of yours) to our schedules. And my co-residents - they are brilliant and accomplished but very fun and down-to-earth people that even the longest and hardest days of work enjoyable!
What are your observations about the relationships between faculty and house staff?
The IM faculty are very invested in helping residents learn and grow. I really appreciate the respect and autonomy I've been given, but with a healthy and ample background of support when I need it. The faculty are also great at helping residents (especially us interns) adjust to life as physicians. For example, they try to provide tips/tricks for efficiency and encourage us to reach out for help when we are overwhelmed.
Tell us about your co-residents. What has helped you connect, support each other, and form friendships?
There is a big emphasis on the "medicine is a team sport" approach to patient care at Duke. I had a SAR who told me "there is no task that is an 'intern only' task" and jumped in to help with whatever I needed (phone calls, orders, even notes!) on the busiest of days. I have yet to meet another resident who is not willing to help me out if I need it, and everyone who jumps in to lend a hand is incredibly humble and gracious when they do. Another plug for the 4+2 - you get a mini "family within the DukeFam" to hang out with during the less busy parts of your schedule.
What has surprised you most about Duke?
The hardest part of the residency interview process for me was trying to get a feel for whether or not programs that seemed to have great people and cultures REALLY were as they seemed via Zoom. There was always this sense of "is this too good to be true?" This was especially true with places we had never been to before. I don't know if I'd necessarily call it a true "surprise" because we felt like Duke was the "real deal" in terms of high-quality training and fantastic people. Even with those feelings in advance of starting residency, Duke has exceeded my expectations.
About Life in Durham
What is the best thing about living in Durham and the Triangle?
Durham has great food and places to explore! Plus, you're so close to Raleigh and Chapel Hill, which have their own fun, unique vibes. The area is super driveable, so hopping around the Triangle on your free weekends is super easy.
How does the Triangle appeal to people of diverse backgrounds?
Because there are so many healthcare, tech, business, and other companies in the Triangle, people from across the country are drawn to the area. Having UNC and Duke (which are both incredible Universities) really helps with this too. Because of this, it seems that there are places and things to do throughout the area that help everyone feel at home.
Where did you choose to live and why?
We live in the Cortland Bull City apartment buildings near the Bull's stadium. We wanted something with good parking, a quick/easy drive to work, and amenities/services to make our lives outside of work a little easier.
What advice would you give to someone looking to move to Durham?
There are a lot of different places to live (apartments, townhomes, houses) and each part of Durham has a different vibe (busy downtown vs more quiet suburban areas). The area is super driveable, so chances are you'll be able to find a great place to live that meets your needs and isn't super far from work. You definitely do need a car to get around though (there isn't public transport here like there is in bigger cities)
What are your interests outside of medicine?
My wife and I love going on date nights and new bars/restaurants throughout the city, and we also love books, music, and TV/movies. We have two cats (Phoebe and Gizmo) and are big family people (we love FaceTiming with our baby nephews in MI and NY!)