Sweetheart Ador-Dionisio, MD

Medical School: Rosalind Franklin University Chicago Medical School

Choosing a residency program is a process that is unique to each individual. The strength and reputation of a program were just as important to me as the overall fit and the depth of training that I would receive.

To begin with, the Cleveland Clinic is ranked in the top 4 of best hospitals according to U.S. News & World Report with essentially all subspecialties ranked in the top ten, with several in the top three, including Cardiology (No. 1), Gastroenterology (No. 2), Rheumatology (No. 2), Pulmonary and Critical Care (No. 3), and Nephrology (No. 1). By the sheer virtue that globally renowned experts in all the fields of medicine are on staff and serve as your attendings, you are assured first-rate training. On top of that, you are constantly surrounded by highly intelligent fellows, residents, and medical students, which further strengthens and adds dimensions to your training by giving you countless opportunities to learn from and to teach your fellow peers and students.

Furthermore, the curriculum for the first year of training is diverse and offers several months of exposure to the different subspecialties through floor months as well as clinic and consult months. This structure gives you ample exposure to the subspecialties of medicine early on so that you can make an informed decision when it comes time to decide what fellowship to pursue if that is indeed part of your career goals. To add to this, there are three Internal Medicine tracks that you can choose from during your residency that include: primary care, hospitalist, and research pathways. Each of these tracks respectively provides more exposure to either outpatient medicine, inpatient medicine, or research depending on your interests.

As for the patient population, the patients come from various backgrounds and countries and tend to be very sick as a result of the Clinic being a quaternary referral center. Oftentimes, patients that typically would be in the ICU at other institutions would remain on the floor here, giving you greater experience in handling complex patients and building your clinical acumen. In addition, there is appropriate balance between supervision and independence as your experience and confidence grow during residency.

From my time here thus far, I can tell you this — you will learn to become very efficient, competent, and will be able to manage the sickest patients as well as ones with common cold if you choose to do your residency at Cleveland Clinic. Moreover, you will work with amazing physicians, nurses, ancillary staff, and patients in an unparalleled environment centered on patient care and the highest standards of evidence-based medicine that will mold you into a well-rounded solid clinician.

Edwin Jackson, DO

Medical School: Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Cleveland Clinic is easily the most highly regarded medical institution in the state of Ohio and is consistently named among the top four hospitals in the United States. When the time came to choose a residency training program I placed Cleveland Clinic at the top of my list. This choice was not only due to the prestigious reputation of the hospital, state of the art facilities, and world renowned faculty, but most importantly from my personal experiences.

My mother suffered from rheumatic fever as a child which later led to damage of her mitral, tricuspid and aortic heart valves. The damaged valves required expert repair, which led us to Cleveland Clinic. In the summer of 1999 my mother underwent her third successful open heart surgery at Cleveland Clinic. When a loved one is having major surgery it is a very stressful and emotional time. Not only did the physicians and nurses show tremendous medical and surgical skill they also demonstrated exceptional compassion and caring. A decade later my mother is doing well and my family and I are forever grateful to this institution.

I returned to Cleveland Clinic during my 4th year of medical school for a visiting student rotation on the busy Infectious Disease consult service. During my rotation, I was immediately impressed with the eloquence displayed by the residents during case presentations as well as the wealth of medical knowledge they processed. The thoughtfulness in which they crafted differential diagnosis when confronted with baffling patient symptoms was a testament to their incredible training. Many times the opinions of medical students are not taken into consideration; this is not the case at Cleveland Clinic. As a visiting medical student I truly felt as though I was a valued member of the team. I was given the opportunity to lead case discussions and directly participate in patient care. The rotation was truly an amazing experience which solidified my desire to do my Internal Medicine Residency training at Cleveland Clinic.

I am currently in the second month of my Internal Medicine residency training; the transition from medical student to resident has been extremely challenging and rewarding. Learning how to “think like a doctor” is a formidable task, but there is no shortage of opportunities to expand my clinical skill and medical decision making. As a first year resident, independent growth and thinking is encouraged as there is an intricate balance between individual autonomy and guidance provided by senior residents, fellows and staff. The support system here is second to none, from Dr. Nielsen’s open door policy, to the chief residents who always promptly respond to questions and never hesitate to offer guidance or a kind word. I am however most impressed with my fellow residents who are always happy to lend a helping hand and are the brightest and most highly motivated group that I have had the pleasure of interacting with in my medical career. I believe the bonds that are being built with these special people will last a lifetime.

Cleveland Clinic is an extraordinary learning environment; it is evident that the staff physicians, fellows and upper level residents enjoy teaching. Every case is molded into a learning opportunity, we are exposed to a wide variety of pathology ranging from the “bread and butter” internal medicine to the extremely rare and exotic. Cleveland Clinic is unique in that research and direct patient care are simultaneously emphasized in a way that one doesn’t take precedence over the other. The motto at Cleveland Clinic is “Every life deserves world class care.” I can say without hesitation that, based on my personal experiences, Cleveland Clinic delivers not only world class patient care, but also world class residency training. In closing, it is an honor and a privilege to continue my medical education at the Cleveland Clinic. I hope to see you soon and good luck in your application process.

Medical School: The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences

Gregory Jackson, MD

Choosing a residency program can be one of the biggest decisions of your early medical career. When I visited Cleveland Clinic during my interview day, I was taken aback by the size of the medical center and knew there was something special about the hospital. Throughout that day, I met happy and intelligent residents, was impressed by the teaching presentation at noon conference, and nearly got lost as I toured the extensive world-class facilities. I was born and raised in Florida (Go Gators!), so the thought of experiencing the cold and long winters of Ohio was daunting. After my visit here, choosing Cleveland Clinic was a simple decision.

I attended medical school in Washington DC and have a strong interest in health policy. In choosing a residency program I was looking for more than a comprehensive clinical training experience. I wanted to find a hospital active in healthcare reform and changing medicine, with opportunities to gain insight into how superb patient care is provided in a cost-effective and efficient manner. Cleveland Clinic is doing just that with fully integrated electronic medical records, patient safety and outcomes analysis, and quality improvement research. As a resident, having fully integrated electronic medical records gives you immediate access to a patient’s entire medical history, and provides a wealth of information which can be used in the patients’ care.

Within the program, education, mentorship and career development are top priorities. Caring for patients involves bedside teaching and exhausting thorough differential diagnoses in search of rare pathophysiologies. Attending physicians serve as mentors assisting in career and leadership development tailored to your goals, whether they are in clinical care, research, or academia. If you are interested in pursuing a fellowship, the residents at Cleveland Clinic have a high fellowship match rate at some of the best programs in the country.

Cleveland Clinic is consistently ranked one of America's top hospitals and provides exceptional care to the most medically complex patients from around the world. As a resident, I have the opportunity to manage the care of these patients and become well versed in the latest evidence based medicine and research. In addition, as a resident I have worked alongside the world's leading experts (authors of textbooks and clinical guidelines) and learned from their vast knowledge. These attending physicians are very approachable and friendly, allowing you the opportunity to work on research projects with them. Cleveland Clinic consistently ranks in the top ten nationwide among hospitals in multiple medical specialties, including cardiology, gastroenterology, pulmonology, oncology, nephrology and endocrinology.

In the northeast Ohio region, there is a lot to do outside of the hospital. One of the country's best theme parks, Cedar Point, is close by; the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a fun experience; Niagara Falls is within range of a daytrip; the Great Lakes Brewing Company brews multiple award winning beverages; local neighborhoods have excellent restaurants; and the Lake Erie region features many wineries. Cleveland is also home to sports teams including the Indians (MLB), Cavaliers (NBA), and Browns (NFL); and the Pro Football Hall of Fame is only a short drive away.

Cleveland Clinic is a unique place to train for these reasons: world-class facilities, a strong reputation, diverse patients, and teaching from leaders in the medical profession. Enjoy your interview experiences. Try to see what it is like to be a resident at each institution and explore the different cities you visit. Keep in mind that you are looking for a teaching environment that will prepare you for the next step in your medical career and a city you will be happy living in for the next three years. Cleveland is a nice city to call your new home. I wish you the best of luck in finding the residency program which best fits your needs – I know I have.

Quyen Le Nguyen, MD

Medical School: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Subjective

My fiancé and I drove down a darkened Euclid Avenue which had not yet awoken at 6:30 a.m. in January. Cleveland Clinic bloomed forth from the winter darkness, a nocturnal city within a city, illuminated with the quiet energy of people arriving for their morning shifts and leaving from their night shifts. My fiancé had interviewed at Cleveland Clinic on the previous day for the pathology residency program. As he dropped me off for my interview, he said knowingly, "I think you will really like it." Of all the advice regarding choosing the right residency program, the consensus seems to be to just go with your gut. In most ways it was like any other interview day; the memorable difference was that I left with a sense of excitement.

Now as an intern here, from patient encounters to conferences, grand rounds, and reading clubs, I am surrounded by opportunities to learn. To my heart's delight, I have signed orders, I have asked questions, I have performed procedures. I have the autonomy to make my own decisions and plenty of guidance along the way. The faculty, staff, and other residents clearly take great pride in the internal medicine residency program. The positive attitude is vibrant and infectious and inspires me to push myself.

Objective

General: well-appearing medicine intern, in no acute distress

Birthplace: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA

College/Major: University of Pittsburgh/Neuroscience

Medical School: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Research Interests: Throughout college I was involved in basic research investigating gene signaling in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. During medical school I completely switched gears and completed a project on patient preferences for follow-up of abnormal Pap tests.

Hobbies: I have been playing the piano since I was 4 years old. I enjoy art, especially printmaking. My current project is designing and printing my wedding invitations.

Assessment and Plan

During the weeks preceding the Match I contemplated the transition to residency from all angles possible: geographic location, potential of program to facilitate career goals, will patients like me, potential to make cool new friends, cost of living, trying to stay healthy while working hard. Is it possible to ask for all of this and also to expect to be happy while training? The envelope opened, I matched at Cleveland Clinic, and the answer is yes.

Cleveland Clinic boasts all the resources a resident needs to develop a career in medicine. It is no coincidence that we all praise its state-of-the-art facility, abundance of research opportunities, openness of the faculty to mentor and teach, many strengths of the house staff, and the palpable camaraderie between them. I am privileged to be training at an institution which constantly strives for innovation, demands excellence from its employees, and makes me feel passionate about medicine each day that I come to work.

Vipan Nikore MD

Medical School: University of Illinois-Chicago
Business School: Yale University

As I approach the tail-end of my internal medicine residency, I cannot imagine a better place to train than Cleveland Clinic. Here’s why:

1) High volume hospital with extremely sick patients

Patients are transferred from all over the state, country, and world with complex cases. This is exemplified by our Medical ICU, often regarded as the highest acuity and volume MICU in the country (approx 60 beds). Hard work is required given this volume and acuity, but the reward is that by the end of residency you feel confident treating any patient in any situation.

2) An integral part of the decision making process from day 1:

Interns know the patients best, and are the heart and soul of the care team. My first week as an intern I recall a complex liver failure patient with endocarditis. Instead of just pushing paper, I found myself brainstorming ideas with a world-renowned infectious disease specialist, cardiologist, and gastroenterologist. These interactions occur daily, and before you know it you begin leading these discussions. You spend much of your day with some of the best doctors in the world, and gain incredible knowledge from them. Our program also provides plenty of autonomy to make decisions, yet a world-class support system.

3) Educational opportunities are endless:

Our academic half day gives us protected teaching time, in addition to endless lectures, case conferences, grand rounds, resident as teaching sessions, and board review sessions available to us. Ask to check out the comprehensive lecture schedule available to CCF residents, you’ll be blown away by how many opportunities there are.

4) A well designed program:

You manage patients on subspecialty wards, thus you learn cardiology from the best cardiologists in the world, nephrology from the best nephrologists, etc. You then bring that knowledge together on our general medicine rotations and night floats. This approach allows one to be a great internist at the cutting edge of medicine. Further, our newly designed primary care outpatient experience uniquely allows us to separate our inpatient and outpatient experiences and simulates working in a true medical home.

5) A diverse and knowledgeable cohort of co-residents

You will be in awe of their sheer knowledge and this will motivate and push you to learn more. Cleveland Clinic truly is a global hospital that recruits the smartest people in the world. Remarkably this group is collegial and always looks out for each other. You also learn from outstanding fellows whom you get to know well and are always open to answering questions.

6) The program supports you to pursue your unique goals within medicine:

Thanks to my program’s support, I’ve expanded my non-profit uFLOW from Chicago to Cleveland and San Francisco, take management and leadership classes at Cleveland Clinic Academy, write monthly blogs on two well known health websites, and worked in Peru and Nepal.

7) Research Opportunities:

Our research requirements exceed those required by ACGME, and you have tremendous opportunities and support to meet these expectations. I’ve had multiple attendings reach out to me after I simply expressed interest in a specific topic.

8) An efficient hospital means more time for learning and less scut work:

We have world leading technology, labs are usually back in time for rounds, and things get done overnight and generally move fast. There is a reason presidential candidates consistently sight us as the model for healthcare.

9) Cleveland! The ideal place to be a resident!

Having lived in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Toronto, I admit Cleveland initially worried me. My fears quickly faded. With three major sports teams, a world renowned arts & culture scene, outstanding restaurants, a vibrant nightlife, summer festivals, the worlds highest roller coaster park, and a vast amount of outdoor greenspace I’ve found more than enough to do to keep me entertained. And its great you can enjoy these activities as a resident because of the low cost of living.

If you want to learn from the best clinicians, become an outstanding clinician, and join one of the fastest growing hospitals at the forefront of medicine, then I strongly encourage you to consider Cleveland Clinic’s Internal Medicine Residency program. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me with questions.

Viral Patel, MD

Medical School: University of Kentucky College of Medicine

I’m going to tell you about what makes us unique: Many of you choosing residency programs know about the various items on the checklist: fellowship placement, great education, hospital facilities, and the caliber of current residents – check.

Cleveland Clinic represents a way of life to me. I strongly believe in the concept of practicing what you preach and the leadership of this hospital has made strong waves among employees and on a national forefront. Simple things like having a plethora of healthy dining options to large scale wellness programs for employees encourages everyone to be healthy.

Cleveland Clinic has made changes in the health care realm that even government officials, including the President, have visited to see what makes this place a leader and a model that other hospitals strive for. It’s this attention that sparked my curiosity when I was in your shoes. The hospital is set up into Institutes where Medicine and Surgery departments can streamline communication and provide the “world-class care” that is expected for our patients. Health care is about one sixth of the US economy and this number will rise in the future with the aging population and new technologies that arise. That is why it is our responsibility as physician leaders to produce value and ensure quality.

People often speak of the various departments at Cleveland Clinic and their top ranking in the country. More importantly for me though, it’s a place where I feel challenged and proud to be a part of a team that is innovating the world of health care. We utilize cutting edge technology and apply it to our patients every day. The EMR and Magnet Nursing staff allows physicians to spend quality time focusing on patient care.

Every residency program will teach you the minimum ACGME requirements and you will “pass” your boards. However, people like you and the rest of the residents in this program have never wanted to just “pass” anything. You want to go to a place where you feel comfortable, but also a place that has great clinician educators. This knowledge is best taught by textbook authors and national award winners because they truly understand the disease process. Our speakers at noon conferences and Grand Rounds are leaders in their fields and who are nationally, if not internationally, respected. This creates ample opportunity to meet researchers to bounce ideas off of and inquire about available research projects. This is what really makes our fellowship match stand out in the country.

As far as Cleveland, yes; I know LeBron isn’t around anymore, but we have such a great community here and it really feels like home. I’m from Kentucky originally but have lived in DC, NYC, Chicago and I have loved every moment in downtown Cleveland. There really is a balanced life for residents to enjoy their time outside of the hospital -everything from sports and community events, to vibrant festivals all around town.

So go ahead: Work on ERAS, travel to all the programs, meet the residents who you might be working with, and stress over your rank lists. It’s natural. You’ll end up at a place that will fit you well. After you come visit us, you’ll understand why I chose Cleveland Clinic to train.

Ari Garber MD, EdD, MS, EdM

Medical School: University of Vermont College of Medicine

I chose Cleveland Clinic for a multitude of important reasons. When applying I was looking for an institution that would accommodate my desire to get involved in research, would focus on resident education and would expose me to some of the most technically advanced procedures and medically challenging patients. I have not been disappointed. I have already been allowed to participate in research in the fourth month of my intern year, I have been repeatedly exposed to, and have learned tremendously from, some of the most unusual disease processes that patients at Cleveland Clinic present with, and have offered my patients medical options that many other institutions would have to refer out. In addition, the Internal Medicine Residency program is keenly aware of, and places tremendous importance on, resident education. Our academic half-days allow us to learn without fear of managing our concomitant service requirements. If your interests in research, education, service and patient complexity mirror my own and you desire to become as competent as possible in internal medicine (regardless of whether you pursue fellowship or not), you will be well served by Cleveland Clinic.

Equally important in any residency match decision are the opportunities outside of service and education. With easy access to Lake Erie for paddle boarding and canoeing, many running trails nearby, top-rated restaurants featured on Food Network, professional sporting events such as the Browns, Cavs and Indians (even if you were born a Yankee fan as I was) and a healthy downtown night life, Cleveland has much to offer. Good luck in your final year of medical school and I hope to meet some of you in the not to distant future.

Lisa Shah, MD

Medical School: Southern Illinois University School of Medicine

The decision of which program I would attend for residency did not come easily to me. It was a personal choice with many variables to consider. First and foremost, I wanted a program that would prepare me to give the best care to any patient, no matter the acuity or extent of disease. At the time I applied for residency, I was sure that I would pursue a subspecialty, which made reputation and fellowship placement a very important factor to consider. I also wanted to be a part of a training program that cared about me and my goals.

After interviewing at Cleveland Clinic, it became apparent that this program was both exceptional and unique. In addition to managing “bread and butter” conditions, residents at this institution have the opportunity to be involved in the care of patients with rare and complicated medical problems. This balance gives a depth and breadth of exposure which provides a comprehensive clinical experience.

Another reason I chose Cleveland Clinic is that education is the top priority here. Every person including the program director, the senior residents, and my fellow interns exhibit a dedication to education. That emphasis on learning provides an environment which truly cares about its residents and their success. Cleveland Clinic goes to great lengths to provide the support, training, experience, and resources needed to help the interns thrive and grow professionally.

Regardless of the institution, internship is a challenging time where increasing responsibility is both demanding and intimidating. The best advice I can give, as someone who has been in your situation, is choose a program in which you feel supported. When the time came to decide where I would continue my medical training, I chose the program that most aligned with my values and personal goals. This program has exceeded all of my expectations and it is now clear to me that I made the right decision.

Sharjeel Hooda, MS,MD

Medical School: Emory University School of Medicine

Selecting a residency program after years of diligence and education can be a daunting task. After months of touring hospitals that start to blur together, most people approach their rank list with one of two perspectives: either a convoluted pro-con list that only you understand or a selection based on your “gut” feeling. I was fortunate enough to find a program that not only met all of my unique requirements but also where I felt I would be the happiest throughout my training.

The curriculum at the Cleveland Clinic was a big draw for me. It serves as a great balance between empirically tested core requirements and a personalized pathway for each resident. Through the core rotations, everyone has an opportunity to learn from world-renowned experts in internal medicine and all of its various subspecialties. In addition, there are possibilities for a personalized curriculum through various tracks, research rotations, and local or international electives. Finally, I appreciate that the program leadership is always tweaking curricular requirements to ensure that resident education is a primary focus.

Another driving factor for me was the hospital environment, which was unsurpassed on the interview trail. The program here has a unique, collegial, Midwestern feel in the setting of a wonderfully diverse group of colleagues and patients. During a second look visit, I was able to witness a strong sense of camaraderie among residents as they cared for some of the sickest patients in the world. As an observer, I was awed by the varied pathology that I encountered during that brief time. Now, in my third rotation, I’ve started to become accustomed to caring for complex patients that I know will prepare me to practice anywhere in the world.

I also wanted to take this opportunity to dispel some of the myths you may encounter while researching residency programs online. Specific to the Cleveland Clinic, rumors circulate about a program that is fellowship-driven and lacks resident autonomy. What I love about this program is that when I directly addressed these questions during my interview and second look, the leadership and residents were very forthcoming and appreciated my concerns. In my time here thus far, resident autonomy has never been a problem and I know that the program goes to great lengths to ensure that the environment is not only resident-friendly but also resident-focused.

Finally, I truly have fallen in love with the city of Cleveland. It has all of the culture, nightlife, and sporting activities of a major city packaged in a friendly, affordable, smaller town feel. I hope that if you come out for a visit, you have an opportunity to explore the city and all of its offerings.

Thanks for taking the time to read about my experience and I hope that this reflection helps you in your decision. Please remember to enjoy your fourth year and choose a residency program where you feel a strong connection. If you have any questions about our program or for your search in general, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.

Nancy Nguyen, MD

Medical School: University of Southern California, Los Angeles

“What in the world are you doing here?” has generally been the initial response I receive once people find out that I was born and raised in California and now will call Cleveland my new home. In retrospect, on Match Day my feelings were extremely conflicted when I opened my envelope to reveal my fate for the next three years. I had received my top choice at Cleveland Clinic, training at a residency program that offers world-class care, but I would have to leave my friends and family and venture into the unknown of the Midwest.

Reflecting on the application process and the decisions that lead up to the ultimate result, I realize that Cleveland Clinic was the obvious choice. When evaluating the different programs, I knew that I wanted the vigorous training upfront during my residency so that I would be prepared and confident to practice medicine for the rest of my career. Overall, I wanted a well-rounded program that focused on interests that aligned with my own. I envisioned training at an institution that emphasized patient care and diversity, while balanced with life long learning. Additionally, I knew I was interested in specializing, so searched for a program that excelled in offering networking and research opportunities that would prepare me to be a competitive candidate for fellowship.

Fast-forward to the first week of orientation, the idea of transitioning from medical student to resident was a frightening one. As interns, we started out unsure of ourselves, feeling unworthy of the long coats we wore throughout the halls. Now, just two months into residency, I have witnessed a transformation occur within our class. I’ve noticed that many of us have begun to develop the confidence and clinical skills to manage some of the sickest patients in the nation. We have become advocates for our patients, truly owning our roles as their physicians. I believe this change is attributed to having expert specialists in their fields that serve as our attendings while senior residents and fellows offer a supportive environment conducive to learning on the wards. Additionally, with the protected learning time on our academic half days, we are able to supplement our first hand experience learning from direct patient care with traditional lecture style learning to reinforce the concepts crucial in practicing medicine.

In terms of life outside the hospital walls, I have been pleasantly surprised and realized that Cleveland is quite possibly the most underrated city that exists. I can live downtown in my own apartment for the price that others living in New York or San Francisco pay to share a room quarter of its size. It offers a plethora of activities to help unwind from a stressful day at the hospital including extensive hiking and biking trails at the Cleveland Metroparks, enjoying a sports event at an Indians, Cavs or Browns game, catching a comedy show at Hilarities in East 4th St, relaxing with some music at the House of Blues or with the Cleveland Orchestra, or appreciating the arts at Cleveland Museum of Arts or with a Broadway show the Playhouse Square. And if you enjoy food like me, you’ll love the wide variety of cuisine available throughout the city ranging from fine dining at top rated restaurants such as Michael Symon’s Lola to stuffing your face at a hole in the wall joint serving authentic food, wondering if your stomach will have to pay for it later.

Overall, the program has exceeded all of my expectations as I see myself growing into a competent, well-rounded physician I aspire to become. My advice for the whole application process would be to choose a program that offers you the best fit in terms of your professional and personal interests. I could tell you not to stress about it but you naturally will, as the decision is a daunting one. In the end, trust your gut and it won’t let you down – it has definitely worked for me.