Why Geriatrics?
As an undergraduate, I was an avid student of history and anthropology and greatly enjoyed learning from the life stories and experiences of those around me. During my tenure as an internal medicine resident at the University of Rochester, some of my most beloved patient encounters were with geriatric patients. Although not initially considering a career in Geriatric medicine, I quickly felt at home learning from my mentors during residency, many of whom were geriatric trained. As a result of this thoughtful guidance and tutelage and sense of kinship, I decided to further my training in Geriatric medicine by pursuing a fellowship.
Why Rochester?
I originally grew up in a small rural farm town about an hour and a half southwest of Rochester. I was initially attracted by the strength and culture of the University of Rochester's Internal Medicine Residency Program, and, after training in Rochester for 3 years, I was compelled to stay for my fellowship training. Rochester truly represents a four-season city. Whether it is partaking of Rochester's abundant parks, waterways, running/cycling trails, or strolling through the annual Lilac Festival, there are always new places to see and explore. A few of my favorite Rochester pastimes include kayaking down the Genesee River, viewing films at the Little Theater, watching the sunset on the shores of Lake Ontario, and exploring wineries along the Finger Lakes.
Professional Interests?
I am interested in gaining a more in-depth knowledge of Geriatric Medicine, with a focus on delivering high quality, guideline-directed patient care through the lens of the patented Rochester Biopsychosocial Model. I hope to utilize shared decision-making to best optimize and promote healthful elder lifestyles.
Where do you see yourself practicing?
Ultimately, I would like to remain in Rochester after my fellowship year and give back to the U of R community that trained me.
What do you hope to learn or accomplish during fellowship?
As a Geriatric Fellow, I hope to gain perspective on both the challenges and the joys that come with aging, with a focus on enhancing the quality of life of the patients under my care.
Matthew Nelson, M.D.
Why Geriatrics?
I wanted a way to combine my passion for palliative care with my training in (and passion for) primary care. I am also interested in models of care that exist outside the hospital.
Why Rochester?
To be honest, that was decided for me when my wife matched into her Clinical Psychology PhD internship at the University of Rochester. That said, we decided on Rochester together as our top choice for her match because it offered close proximity to her family in Canada, lots of access to the outdoors, and we wanted to be away from big cities (moving from Philadelphia).
Professional Interests?
Palliative Care/End-of-life Care. Hospice care. Primary Care (including Home-Based Primary Care).
Where do you see yourself practicing?
Eventually in a more rural setting somewhere in southeastern Ontario.
What do you hope to learn or accomplish during fellowship?
Gain experience treating elderly patients in a multitude of non-hospital settings, spanning the spectrum from learning how to help people age well to helping them die well.
Khoi Pau Dang-Ho M.D.
Why Geriatrics?
An increasing percentage of the population are elderly and I believe a fellowship in Geriatrics will better allow me to comfortably care for and manage them once I start my practice.
Why Rochester?
The University of Rochester is a diverse program that exposes you to many different aspects of Geriatric care while offering the guidance and resources needed to succeed in your future endeavors.
Professional Interests?
Preventive medicine, Primary care, Hospitalist
Where do you see yourself practicing?
Eventually in a more rural setting somewhere in southeastern Ontario.
What do you hope to learn or accomplish during fellowship?
I'm still undecided between primary care and a hospitalist, but I know that I would like to work in a city the size of Rochester so I'm looking forward to being welcomed by the community.
What do you hope to accomplish during fellowship?
By experiencing all the different aspects of Geriatric medicine that URMC has to offer I hope to have the tools necessary to properly manage and care for my patients to the best of my ability.