Ethan
Fieger
Ethan  Fieger
Junior Assistant Resident
House Staff

Basics

Hometown
Vienna, Virginia

College/University
University of Virginia

Medical School
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine

What are your career goals?
I am interested in pursuing a fellowship in Pulmonary and Critical Care, or Cardiology.

Reflections on the Duke Program

What were you looking for in a residency program?
I was looking for a program affiliated with a one of a kind research institution, where the faculty members are some of the leading experts in their fields! I also wanted the additional clinical experience of rotating through both a VA medical center and a community hospital affiliate.

What are the strengths of the Duke Program?
The Duke internal medicine program is incredibly rigorous, but also a TON of fun! I look forward to coming to work every day to work alongside amazing co-residents and fantastic faculty. I feel like I am learning from the best, in a very collegial welcoming environment. Most importantly, I am humbled and grateful to get to learn from our incredibly complex patient population.

What are your observations about the relationships between faculty and house staff?
Everyone supports each other. Our attendings all respect our autonomy while providing adequate oversight so that I feel supported.

Tell us about your co-residents. What has helped you connect, support each other, and form friendships?
My co-residents are great! They have been the highlight of my Duke experience thus far. I have very much enjoyed getting to know them both on the wards and outside of the hospital.

What has surprised you most about Duke?
How kind and down to earth everyone is here.

About Life in Durham

What is the best thing about living in Durham and the Triangle?
The Triangle is unique in that if feels like I get three cities in one. There's always something going on within a half hour drive from Duke. Plus, we have a great farmer's market every Saturday morning right downtown.

How does the Triangle appeal to people of diverse backgrounds?
Given the great minds that are attracted to the area by all of the amazing universities, it feels like the triangle has established itself as a hub for progressive, forward thinking individuals committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone learns from each other to improve our community.

Where did you choose to live and why?
I chose to live downtown because I enjoy feeling like I live in a city. I really value living in a walkable neighborhood with easy access to coffee shops, restaurants, and other local establishments.

What advice would you give to someone looking to move to Durham?
Come explore the area before you move. There are so many different types of neighborhoods and housing options, I found it very helpful to check it all out before making the move.

What are your interests outside of medicine?
I love reading, cooking, fly-fishing and caring for my many houseplants!

House Staff