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Why I Chose the Yale Pediatric Residency Program...

A few words from some of our 1st year residents:

Tanya Chadha, MD

Tanya Chadha, MD
Why did I choose Yale Pediatrics? The glitz and glamour? The Ivy? The chance for a Jersey girl to leave Jersey? Yes, yes, and yes.

First…"glitz and glamour": I've always had my own Grey's Anatomy running in my head- beautiful physicians flitting to and fro, stolen glances in the elevators, the whitest white coats, unforeseen drama. But Yale is not Hollywood—it's a real thing. World renowned specialists doing what they do best, both professionally and academically. Attending physicians acting as mentors for residents across departments. Clinical research melding with clinical practice on a daily basis. A hospital policy of diligence in patient care expected from medical students and department chairpersons alike. And to me, this is real "glitz and glamour"—medical excellence and clinical success.

Second…the Ivy: I'll be honest—my Mom always wanted me to go to Yale. Why? Because it's an Ivy. And my response would always be "so what?" My lack of enthusiasm toward the Ivy of Yale was put to rest after my interview in late January. I very quickly recognized the benefits of training at a hospital just a few blocks away from a reputed undergraduate institution and multiple subsidiary graduate schools. There is an abundance of educational resources—the medical school, extensive libraries, learning opportunities in both the arts and sciences. In additional, the cultural benefits of training in the heart of this "college town" were altogether fascinating and exciting to me—theaters presenting the de novo productions of upcoming talent, fresh cuisines in sophisticated settings, museums highlighting the arts. I realized that it was not the Ivy, but rather the deluge of diversity and individuality in all shades of the landscape that came along with the Ivy with which I fell in love.

Third…New Haven isn't in NJ?: I am a Jersey girl—grade school, college and medical school. I interviewed across the nation to broaden my horizons. Yet, I found a pearl right here in the northeast at Yale. I couldn't ask for a better location to settle my qualms about leaving the Garden State. A beautiful drive across the Tappan Zee Bridge and I am home, not to mention easy access to NY and Philadelphia. An ideal location plus a beautiful fall, dazzling winter, and pleasant summer—New Haven truly offered me a home away from home.

In short, I am lucky to be training at Yale and greatly appreciate this opportunity. I wish you all success in your residency endeavors! ~ Tanya Chadha, MD, PGY-1, University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey Medical School

David Sullivan, MD

David Sullivan, MD
Find a job you love and you'll never work a day in your life. ~Confucius

When you meet me on your first day at Yale as an intern, or even at your interview day, ask me what I did when I opened my envelope on match day. Like most people, I called my mom, I called my dad, I called my brother, and I called my grandmother. I also cried. I did not cry simply because I am yet another sensitive guy doing pediatrics; I cried because I was overwhelmed by my good fortune.

After a long and somewhat atypical path (ask me more on your interview day/first day of work!) I had landed in a program which was prestigious and academically and professionally rigorous without being in the slightest way pretentious or overly serious. As I had made my way around the pediatrics programs during interview season, those characteristics had become extremely important to me.

It all came down to wanting to belong to a group of people whose commitment to children and whose intellects were exceptional. At Yale I have found the variety of patients, the environment and colleagues I was looking for. I have met attendings whose achievements are outshone only by their humility and desire to teach and to serve others. My fellow residents realize that where they work is not as important as how, and are smart enough to take advantage of the tremendous opportunities their surroundings offer. I have found a job I love—I will never "work" while I am a resident at Yale. ~ David Sullilvan, MD, PGY-1, New York Medical College

Erika Schumacher, MD

Erika Schumacher, MD
After spending my fourth year of medical school doing rotations at seven different institutions (east and west coasts, and Cambodia!), I knew what I was looking for in a residency program. I wanted a resident education of the highest quality, with exposure to the most diverse range of pediatric pathology out there… but I also wanted balance, both at work and in life. Yale Pediatrics had it all:

• A strikingly professional, spirited, and sociable resident staff (high on my list of importance!)
• A thoughtfully-designed residency education program with daily opportunities for professional development beyond the constructs of ward duties
• Teaching and mentoring by world-renowned clinicians and researchers
• The opportunity to serve a patient population from a wide range of socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds
• The option to maintain a continuity clinic patient panel of immigrant and refugee families
• A supportive environment with the coolest and most welcoming Program Director around, and three wonderful Chief Residents

…And all in the stimulating, active community of New Haven, with its myriad fabulous ethnic restaurants and cultural events. For me, the ability to have all this, without having to cram myself into an overpriced apartment in a big city, felt like the perfect fit. ~ Erika Schumacher, MD, PGY-1, University of Vermont College of Medicine