Fellowships and Beyond
Carmen B. Meier, MD, is a gastro-enterology fellow at the University of Pittsburgh Medical
Center. She expressed an early interest in gastro-enterology and was linked to Scott Plevy, MD, a
GI specialist with a particular interest in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), as her research mentor.
"I just asked about the possibility of doing some hands-on basic research along with my clinical training,
and I was introduced to Dr. Plevy," she says. "He had a great project going that addressed the genetics of
IBD, and he welcomed me on board." Dr. Meier exchanged three electives to allow for additional research
time. By the time she applied for a fellowship, she had made significant advances in her research and
had strong letters of recommendation from her mentor and others in the GI division. She was accepted
into multiple GI fellowship programs across the country but chose to enter the one here at the
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center after residency. Dr. Meier says she's grateful for her mentor's
support. "We've talked about how it's tough to balance clinical work with research. I feel well prepared
to pursue my research goals."
Carmen B. Meier, MD
Women's Health Track
In addition to clinical training, one of the objectives of our residency program is to help you achieve your career goals. Residents in our program are exposed to some of the best fellowship programs in the country. Those interested in a subspecialty are paired with mentors in their particular field of interest. Many residents become involved in a research project this way, resulting in publications and attendance
at national conferences. The strong internal medicine background and the association with world-class subspecialty faculty provide our residents with the ability to compete for the best fellowships in the country, including those at our institution. Some of our graduates move on to competitive fellowship programs in other locales, but many choose to stay,
given the nationally recognized reputation of our institution's subspecialty divisions and their associated fellowships.
For individuals interested in a career in primary care, hospitalist medicine, or academics in general internal medicine, the Division of General Internal Medicine is one of the largest in the country
and has copious funding from the NIH and other
sources. The University of Pittsburgh
Office of Academic Career Development also offers further resources for academic minded residents and fellows. Wherever your interests lie, our program can help you find your niche.
Subspecialty Interview Days
For individuals who are applying to internal medicine residencies and already have an area of interest, our program offers interview days specifically geared toward a subspecialty focus. In addition to the general medicine interview, introduction, and tour, applicants meet with subspecialty program directors and faculty during the interview day. At this time, several dates are set up for those interested in cardiology,
gastroenterology, hematology/oncology, and pulmonary and critical care medicine. Please see the Applicant Corner for more details.
High American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Examination Pass Rates
Our program's graduates consistently do well on the ABIM Certification Examination. The pass rate of graduates from our program aggregated for the years 2003-2005 is 95%, comparable with other competitive residency programs. Pass rates of other programs can be found at the ABIM website.
Reflections by Recently Graduated Residents
Patricia Lamont, MD
Women's Health Track
LIFE AFTER RESIDENCY
Hematology/oncology fellowship, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute
HOMETOWN
Clearwater, Florida
EDUCATION
BS, Boston College
MD, Georgetown University
REFLECTIONS
This program has given
me such broad exposure,
including the opportunity
to do inpatient cancer care
at a phenomenal tertiary
care cancer center. The
clinician-researchers at the
cancer center are leaders
in their fields, which lends
invaluable research opportunities.
Also, the general
medicine experience offers
an excellent inpatient and
outpatient balance with a
faculty that is first-class.
The Women's Health Track
gives the program a close
and smaller feel with
excellent mentoring.
WHY PITTSBURGH?
It's very easy to live here
economically. We were able
to buy a lovely home that
we likely could not have
afforded in another city.
Franklin L. Chen, MD
Categorical Track
LIFE AFTER RESIDENCY
Hematology/oncology fellowship, Duke University Medical Center
HOMETOWN
Flushing, New York
EDUCATION
BA, Johns Hopkins University
MD, Mount Sinai School
of Medicine
REFLECTIONS
The opportunity to do
research with world-renowned
investigators at
the University of Pittsburgh
during residency enabled
me to be a competitive
candidate during the
fellowship application
process. It was also excellent
preparation for a career in
academic medicine. On the
wards, I was exposed to
patients with interesting
pathologies. The attendings
trusted me to take on a
lot of responsibility while
giving the supervision
that was needed, enabling
me to become a very
strong clinician.
WHY PITTSBURGH?
I enjoy the people here.
Pittsburghers have great
city pride, especially
during the NFL playoffs!
Dilip Nataraj, MD
Categorical Track
LIFE AFTER RESIDENCY
Pulmonary and critical care fellowship, Harvard University at Massachu-setts General Hospital
HOMETOWN
New Orleans, Louisiana
EDUCATION
BS, Tulane University
MD, Louisiana State
University
REFLECTIONS
Two things stand out here.
First, the pulmonary/critical
care faculty members are
exceptional clinicians and
educators, very supportive of housestaff efforts to become
involved in research, and
excellent mentors. Second,
UPMC's wide referral base
allows us to see a lot of
interesting cases, typical ICU
admissions as well as more
unusual situations, which by
the end of our training give
us the confidence to manage
a broad range of medical
conditions.
WHY PITTSBURGH?
Pittsburgh is a mid-sized city
that has a lot of interesting
things to offer without the
hassles of a big city. There
are three major sports teams
here. It's culturally rich in
terms of performing arts and
theater, and there are many
outdoor things to do. Anybody
can find a niche here.
Kathleen M. Coyle, MD
Women's Health Track
LIFE AFTER RESIDENCY
Rheumatology fellowship,
National Institutes of Health
HOMETOWN
Hazelton, Pennsylvania
EDUCATION
BS, University of Pennsylvania
MS, University of Pennsylvania
MD, Thomas Jefferson University
REFLECTIONS
The excellence of the attendings in this residency program and the mentoring, which is incredibly strong, help you develop clinical skills, professionalism, and a high acuity of patient care. Also, the excellence of UPMC as a health care institution cannot be overlooked.
WHY PITTSBURGH?
I like the people in Pittsburgh. In general, I've found them to be down-to-earth, kind, and hardworking. It's hard for me because I'm from Philadelphia!
J. Michael Frangiskakis, MD, PhD
Categorical Track and ABIM Research Pathway
LIFE AFTER RESIDENCY
Cardiology fellowship,
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
HOMETOWN
Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
EDUCATION
BS, University of Wisconsin–Madison
PhD, University of Utah
MD, University of Michigan
REFLECTIONS
The breadth of patient disorders we are exposed to provides comfort in many clinical situations. The variety of socioeconomic statuses and ages allows further familiarity with and sensitivity to unique issues. Having the residency program in a large academic setting provides exposure to acute illnesses and complex disease situations.
WHY PITTSBURGH?
Pittsburgh is a multicultural city with a variety of indoor and outdoor activities—the Steelers, Pirates, Penguins, many bike paths, and innumerable parks. Also, my favorite hobby is eating out, and there are quite a number of ethnic restaurants here.
Shelly Johns, MD
Women’s Health Track
LIFE AFTER RESIDENCY
Gastroenterology fellowship,
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
HOMETOWN
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
EDUCATION
BA, La Roche College
BS, University of Pittsburgh
MD, University of Pittsburgh
REFLECTIONS
This program offers excellent mentoring. The faculty are always available, and there are ample research opportunities. I’ve gotten to know the GI faculty,
and they know me. These relationships helped me attain the very competitive fellowship that I have now. Also, I’ve been able to develop really strong
friendships, and I like the program for that.
WHY PITTSBURGH?
My friends and family are here, so, of course, I like it in Pittsburgh. There’s a lot to offer if you go looking for it.
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