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Resident Life

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Screenshot from Zoom meeting with residents
The tradition of "intern" dinners continues even after you graduate and have to meet by Zoom!

My favorite memory...

"I do really love the tradition of 'caf time'. Around 2 a.m. on overnight shifts, the entire team (usually) runs to the cafeteria together for a snack. It's a nice mental break and really brings the team together. "

Mary Towner

More From Our Residents

Chief Residents | Third Year Residents | Second Year Residents | First Year Residents

Chief Residents

Tiffany Abreu, MD

Hometown: Queens, NY
Medical School: Albany Medical College
Why I Chose URMC: I was really impressed with the faculty and residents I met on interview day. They were warm and welcoming, and I felt that I could really explore my interests using the resources available here. What really sold me was the Dominican food that was served at the interview dinner the night before! I knew then that I had found my obgyn community.
Program's Best Feature: The residents, hands down. So grateful to work with such intelligent, strong coresidents.
My Favorite Things About Rochester: I love living in the Swillburg neighborhood. It's easy to find parking and there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activity in the summer/fall months.

Alexandra Blackman, MD

Alexandra Blackman I grew up in the Finger Lakes became interested in medicine back in high school (where I met my husband!). I went to Grove City College for undergrad and studied molecular biology and business. Came back to NY for medical school at SUNY Upstate and am finishing up my last year of residency here at U of R.
Hometown: Minoa, NY
Medical School: SUNY Upstate Medical University
Career Goals: GYN Oncology - applying to fellowship this year!
Why I Chose URMC: The program is really supportive and people look out for each other. I also knew I'd have good mentorship preparing for fellowship and my family is close by.
Program's Best Feature: The supportive environment.
My Favorite Things About Rochester: Rochester has lots of great parks and lakes around which are great for hiking and kayaking. There are also really great restaurants in the area.
Before I Started the Program I Wish I Knew: The time is going to pass SO quickly. Residency is hard but you can always make time to spend with your co-residents - they truly are the best!

Katelyn Carey, MD

Katelyn Carey I grew up in London, Ontario and complete my undergraduate education in Canada, before working shortly in medical sales, only to find myself in beautiful Boston, where I completed my MPH and medical degree. I got married while living in Boston, and had my daughter at the end of medical school before moving to Rochester for residency. I now have two kids (girl and boy) who keep me just as, if not busier, than residency.
Hometown: London, ON, Canada
Medical School: Boston University
Career Goals: I am staying put! Like many residents who come here for training, it has scooped me up for good!
Why I Chose URMC: I immediately fell in love with the warm URMC community, which right off the bat encompassed a great educational and supportive environment, with fun-loving people, centered on patient-centered medical care.
Program's Best Feature: I love the people, and the personalities of all my co-residents and attendings! There is such a great mix of both formal and informal learning and communication styles, that makes it feel like everyone is both your teacher and your best friend.
My Favorite Things About Rochester: I love the seasons, the proximity to the finger lakes, the proximity to the Canadian border, and all the beautiful outside space we have to enjoy!
Before I Started the Program I Wish I Knew: I miss the availability of food 24/7 as there was in Boston, but as a result, my hubby and I have become better cooks.

Cheryl Chu, MD

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Medical School: Washington University in St. Louis

Victoria Quimpo Moretti, MD

Victoria Quimpo Moretti I always knew that I wanted to go into medicine and I was oddly someone who knew very early on that I wanted to be a OBGYN. After undergraduate, I worked as a scribe in the emergency department for 2 years before starting medical school. I have been married to my super supportive husband, Mark for 3 years but we've been together for over 11! We have the most adorable fur baby, a 7lb yorkie named Magnus and we just welcomed our first daughter, Leighton in February 2020. She truly is the absolute joy of our lives and the most happy baby. I love to entertain so when I am not working you can bet that I'm spending time with my family and coresidents out on our patio with a nice glass of wine! If I hadn't gone to medical school I think I would have been an event planner or home decorator!
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Medical School: Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
Career Goals: I hope to become a generalist, perhaps back home in Pittsburgh or any other place that could be the next new adventure!
Why I Chose URMC: I rotated here as a 4th year medical student and could not believe how wonderful, welcoming and supportive the residents and faculty were! It just felt like the right "family" fit for me!
Program's Best Feature: Absolutely hands down the people.
My Favorite Things About Rochester: Rochester in the summertime is hard to beat! Festivals every weekend, great outdoor restaurants and bars, the great lake nearby for boating, lots of hiking and trails, and of course the gorgeous finger lakes and wineries!

Katherine Rogg, MD

Catherine Rogg I grew up in Atlanta, moved to New Orleans for undergraduate and medical school. I moved to Rochester, NY for residency.
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Medical School: Tulane School of Medicine
Why I Chose URMC: I was interested in the program initially for their focus on family planning. On my interview, I was very impressed with how friendly everyone was.
Program's Best Feature: All of my co-residents.
My Favorite Things About Rochester: The summer.

Alexandra Samborski, MD

I graduated from Hopkins High School and Gustavus Adolphus College in MN where I played on the tennis team. I took one year off to travel and work at a coffee shop before starting medical school at the University of Minnesota.
Hometown: Minneapolis, MN
Medical School: University of Minnesota
Career Goals: I am planning to pursue a fellowship in gynecologic oncology and am hoping to end up back in MN some day!
Why I Chose URMC: I wanted a program where I would get great, well rounded training.
Program's Best Feature: Hands down my amazing co-residents!
My Favorite Things About Rochester: Lots of great outdoor places to eat and drink.

Elizabeth Willman, MD

Hometown: Rochester, NY
Medical School: SUNY Upstate Medical University
Career Goals: I'm planning on staying local to practice as an academic generalist and will likely apply for a MIGS fellowship.
Program's Best Feature: Definitely the people! You can't find a more supportive group of residents and our attendings are fantastic friends and mentors.
My Favorite Things About Rochester: Summers in Rochester are amazing! I love eating out, going to breweries, and visiting the Finger Lakes.

Third Year Residents

Alyssa Adkins, MD

Alyssa Adkins I was born in Columbus, Ohio but grew up in Rock Hill, South Carolina. I love OB/GYN but particularly obstetrics. I am very interested in social justice issues. Anyone who knows me knows I am utterly obsessed with my massive cat George who I adopted when moving here. I am an animal lover through and through. I also enjoy true crime shows and reading in my down time. If the weather is nice, you'll always find me outside.
Hometown: Rock Hill, SC
Medical School: University of South Carolina
Career Goals: I hope to be a generalist OB/GYN who also is able to practice family planning. Ideally I will be able to teach residents as well.
Why I Chose URMC: I loved how close the residents and their families were with each other at the interview dinner. They were genuinely thrilled to be hanging out together.
Program's Best Feature: My co-residents without question. I also appreciate how easy to talk to our faculty is.
My Favorite Things About Rochester: Its proximity to state parks and hiking.
Before I Started the Program I Wish I Knew: The importance of all wheel drive in the winter.

Adam Evans, MD

Adam Evans I graduated from Tufts University with a degree in History. I worked for a network of charter schools in Boston for two years prior to completing a post-bac at Bryn Mawr College.
Hometown: Niskayuna, NY
Medical School: University of Rochester
Career Goals: I'm interested in Reproductive Endocrinology, more specifically hyperandrogenism and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). I'm also passionate about family planning, gynecologic oncology, critical care and medical education.
Why I Chose URMC: Great mentorship, commitment to reproductive justice, supportive and family-like resident community.
Program's Best Feature: Robust GYN oncology and family planning services, regional referral center for high-acuity high-risk obstetric care.
My Favorite Things About Rochester: Rochester has a great restaurant and bar scene. Some of my favorites are Good Luck, Fiorella, Owl House, REDD, Atlas Eats and Branca Midtown. Best Coffee shops are Fuego, Ugly Duck and Glen Edith. Root 31 is great for sandwiches. Scratch Bakeshop is a fantastic bakery with specialty doughnuts every Sunday morning. Weekend hikes through Mendon Ponds Park or Letchworth State park, beach volleyball at Ontario Beach Park.
Before I Started the Program I Wish I Knew: Lean on your co-residents but don't forget to stay in touch with friends and family. Residency is busy but it's important to maintain those relationships.

Emily Leubner, MD

Emily Leubner I am from Rochester, NY originally, but went to undergrad in Pittsburgh and medical school in Philadelphia. I could not wait to move back to Rochester to be closer to my friends and family (I have lots of siblings ages 5-27!) I am now here to stay for good!
Hometown: Rochester, NY
Medical School: Thomas Jefferson University
Career Goals: I am hoping to be a generalist in Rochester after graduation. I love both OB and GYN and cannot imagine giving either up!
Why I Chose URMC: I loved the URMC program as soon as the interview started! Everyone was so warm and welcoming from the beginning and really interested in getting to know me. On top of that, the clinical training residents receive is second to none with lots of opportunities in both obstetrics and gynecology such as family planning, high risk OB, and minimally invasive surgery. The private and staff attendings are amazing and have so much to offer!
Program's Best Feature: The faculty are definitely the strongest aspect of our program. Between them, they have such a breadth of knowledge and expertise to share with the residents. We have a lot of educational opportunity to learn procedures that are not necessarily commonplace because the faculty here are great teachers.
My Favorite Things About Rochester: I love being close to my family! There are amazing restaurants here in Rochester; my favorite of which is Good Luck. There are so many things to do outside and the public market is awesome!

Miriam McQuade, MD

Miriam McQuade Born in CA, went to University of California, Berkeley for undergraduate. During medical school, I started a non-profit public health Harm Reduction organization providing sterile needles for people who inject drugs to reduce HIV and hepatitis C.
Hometown: Novato, CA
Medical School: University of California
Career Goals: I am hoping to go to Family Planning fellowship.
Why I Chose URMC: URMC is a great place to couples match! As one of the biggest hospitals in New York outside of NYC, it has a ton of residents and almost every specialty. Additionally it is one of the best places in the US to get family planning training which is what I hope to do with my life!
Program's Best Feature: My co-residents are truly the best part of this program. Even days that are hard to get out of bed, I know when I get to work I will be greeted with hugs and smiles. Additionally, the family planning training continues to make me very happy I matched here.
My Favorite Things About Rochester: Rochester is an awesome city as well. It is easy to live in while still having fun things to do. I love eating out here. You can get almost any food or drink you want for a very reasonable price. The cost of living is amazing, a resident can afford a whole house easily.
Before I Started the Program I Wish I Knew: Residency is hard, surround yourself with people who support you and you feel you can go to for help.

Alexandra Morell, MD

Alexandra Morrell I'm originally from Buffalo, NY. I attended SUNY Geneseo for my undergraduate education and returned to Buffalo for my medical school training. I am a huge Buffalo sports fan (Go Bills)! I love being outdoors and like to spend my free time hiking, biking, and running. I also enjoy traveling, spending time with my friends and family, and trying new recipes.
Hometown: Buffalo, NY
Medical School: University of Buffalo
Career Goals: I am interested in pursuing a fellowship in gynecologic oncology. I also have an interest in academic medicine and medical education.
Why I Chose URMC: I really enjoyed my interview day. All of the residents and faculty were welcoming and seemed genuinely interesting in getting to know me as a person. The program had a great reputation and I was impressed with the family planning and maternal fetal medicine exposure as well as the resident surgical experience.
Program's Best Feature: My co-residents!
My Favorite Things About Rochester: Exploring new restaurants and breweries, hiking in the Finger Lakes, running and biking along the Erie Canal.

Lauren Paraison, MD

Lauren Paraison I'm originally from Massachusetts and primarily grew up there during my childhood. My parents moved to Dallas about 12 years ago, and that's where I currently call home. I went to Tufts University for my undergraduate education and majored in Spanish. I then attended medical school in San Antonio at the UT Health Science Center. While I was there, I was able to cultivate my passion for women's health and family planning, partake in interesting research, and participate in global health trips to Guatemala. I started my OB/GYN residency here in Rochester in 2018 and I've absolutely loved building my new life here!
Hometown: Dallas, TX
Medical School: University of Texas
Career Goals: When I finish residency, I would like to practice as a Generalist OB/GYN. My ultimate career goal is to become a laborist. I absolutely love inpatient OB/GYN care!
Why I Chose URMC: I selected the URMC OB/GYN program because I wanted to be at a large academic institution where I would get a ton of experience throughout residency. I've already seen things in my time here that I probably won't see again in my career. I feel like I've learned so much in such a short period of time because of all of the interesting cases that I've been involved with either firsthand or peripherally. URMC has been an amazing and supportive learning environment. I know that I will be a well prepared physician and take great care of my patients because of the training that I've received here.
Program's Best Feature: Without a doubt the best feature of my program is my co-residents. I have so much fun with the people I work with and everyone is so supportive. I can turn to my co-residents for anything and they truly are always there for me. I don't think I could work with a better group of people!
My Favorite Things About Rochester: My favorite thing about Rochester is the weather. I love that there are all four seasons. I appreciate the snowy days and the warm summer days just the same. Overall, living in Rochester is so easy and convenient. There's so much to do and great restaurants to try. As a resident, I appreciate living in a city that has so much to offer but daily living is easy.
Before I Started the Program I Wish I Knew: It's hard not to worry about starting a new job in a new city, especially starting residency. When I first started, I was so worried about everything that I had to learn and how to be a good doctor and team player that I did not take time to take care of myself. I wish I knew that taking care of myself is absolutely critical. Now I value my health and my overall wellbeing in addition to being a good resident. I think that's made me a happier person overall. I honestly would not have come to this conclusion if I didn't have faculty members and upper level residents who encouraged me to really take care of myself and sometimes put myself first. It makes a huge difference when you have a community of people who are invested in your health and happiness.

Margaret Schoeniger, MD

Margaret Schoeniger I am originally from Baltimore, but have spent the vast majority of my life in the Rochester area. I am now officially a Rochester "lifer," so ask me anything about the Roc! I enjoy hiking and traveling with my husband; we like to eat and drink our way through the world.
Hometown: Pittsford, NY
Medical School: University of Rochester
Career Goals: My goal is to be a generalist OB/GYN in the Rochester area.
Why I Chose URMC: From my medical school rotation, I knew that I loved the people here and would be exposed to a broad scope of all that this specialty has to offer. URMC is a huge referral center for the area with a diverse patient population, which was important to me when choosing a program.
Program's Best Feature: My co-residents. These are the people that keep me going during the tough times and celebrate and relax during the good times.
My Favorite Things About Rochester: Besides the people, its the food! So many wonderful bars and restaurants, many of them I walk to from my house.

Kaylee Underkofler, MD, MPH, MS

Kaylee Underkofler I was born and raised in Upstate NY. After spending time in the Midwest and across New England for grad school in chemistry and medical school, I decided to come home for residency. In my free time I enjoy swimming, cycling, running, hiking, camping, and spending as much time with family and friends as possible!
Hometown: Fulton, NY
Medical School: Tufts University School of Medicine - Maine Track
Career Goals: Gynecologic Oncology
Why I Chose URMC: Many reasons, but a huge factor was the collegiality amongst residents! We really try to take care of each other. I also love upstate NY.
Program's Best Feature: Your co-residents become your family and there is never-ending support from your attendings.
My Favorite Things About Rochester: The summer & fall seasons, parks and recreation trails, Wegmans, the amenities of a big city located in a smaller city without crazy traffic, and proximity to friends and family.

Second Year Residents

Madeline Ann Coulter, MD

Madeline Coulter I grew up on the CT shoreline and then went to Wesleyan University for college where I played 4 years of varsity lacrosse. I love to be outdoors and to run. Obsessed with chocolate milk and love to ski!
Hometown: Branford, CT
Medical School: University of Connecticut School of Medicine
Career Goals: I am most interested in sub-specialization in Gyn Oncology or Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. The medical and surgical complexity of these patients I find incredibly compelling.
Program's Best Feature: I think a hidden gem about this program is our experience with family planning and surgery surrounding this subspecialty. The FP specialists here are amazing and help residents gain unique procedural skills that can be applied to may areas of OB/GYN.
My Favorite Things About Rochester: The food scene and running in Highland Park when the lilacs are in bloom!
Before I Started the Program I Wish I Knew: More about how much OR exposure and practice residents receive in robotic surgery especially through the MIGS and Gyn Oncology departments. To prepare us for this we also have protected didactic time on Benign Gyn rotations to practice skills on the DaVinci starting 1st year.

Jordana Gilman, MD, MPH

Jordana Gilman I grew up in Rochester, NY and attended Cornell University for Undergrad. I completed medical school in Syracuse at SUNY Upstate, where I also got my MPH in a combined program with Syracuse University. My wife (internal medicine) and I couples matched to URMC, and we are now living our best lives with our kittens in the White Coat Neighborhood.
Hometown: Rochester, NY
Medical School: SUNY Upstate Medical University
Career Goals: Rochester for LIFE! Hopefully I can find a career here. I am deciding between generalist OB/GYN and potentially urogynecology—whenever I spend time with our urogynecologists in the OR or office, it's always an amazing time!
Why I Chose URMC: I was looking for an OB/GYN program with great opportunities in Family Planning, and I felt surrounded by people who care about Reproductive Justice at the interview. I loved growing up in Rochester and I was eager to come back to this amazing city.
Program's Best Feature: The people! My co-residents are my best friends, and our attendings are incredibly brilliant, kind, and patient teachers.
My Favorite Things About Rochester: Walking along the Erie Canal, renting a cabin in the Finger Lakes, picking up produce and fancy cheeses at the Public Market, skiing at Bristol Mountain, and walking around the historic neighborhoods admiring beautiful houses.
Before I Started the Program I Wish I Knew: How to speak Spanish! I didn't realize how diverse our patient population would be. It is an honor to take care of so many different kinds of people and families.

Becky Hartman, MD

Becky Hartman I was born and raised in the western suburbs of Minneapolis, MN, where we spend a lot of time on the water regardless of whether or not it is frozen. Prior to becoming a doctor, my passion was the sport of hockey. I was recruited to play at The University of Minnesota where we won the national championship in 2012 and 2013. I currently live with my husband Jared and our chocolate lab Abe.
Hometown: Minnetonka, MN
Medical School: University of Minnesota
Career Goals: I plan to move back to Minnesota and practice as a generalist.
Why I Chose URMC: I worked with several graduates of the program during medical school. They all were excellent clinicians and had rave reviews of the program. Every person I met during my interview day was fun to be around, and seemed to share many of my same values. I got the impression that a strong camaraderie existed between the residents which was important to me. My husband has family ties to Rochester so we felt we would be well supported from that perspective.
Program's Best Feature: The residents! We have a ton of fun at work and everyone is incredibly supportive of one another.
My Favorite Things About Rochester: There are so many waterfalls upstate NY!

Hallie Nelson, MD

Hallie Nelson Born and raised in Richmond, VA. Then to William and Mary for undergrad (Biology, Spanish minor), with a short stent abroad in Argentina. Spanish medical interpreter then ER scribe for short while, before moving to Boston for stem cell research. Penn State for medical school, where I got to start my research in contraception choices and to go to Ecuador for a women's health elective. In my free time, I like to play cello, crochet, run along the river, eat ice cream, travel in a world pre-COVID, hike, and lazily search Petfinder.
Hometown: Mechanicsville, VA
Medical School: Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine
Career Goals: Probably a generalist, maybe in academics. As I try out more specialties in residency maybe I will change my mind, but for now I do not want to give up OB or GYN.
Why I Chose URMC: I knew I wanted to go to a program with a strong family planning curriculum, which is what initially got me interested in UofR. Then during my interview day/dinner, I got to see how great a community UofR is when interacting with the residents and the faculty.
Program's Best Feature: Support of the residents. If you need time off for a maternity leave, disability leave, or a death in the family, the residents cross-cover so you can get the support you need to be a person as well as a resident.
My Favorite Things About Rochester: I really like how much Rochester has to offer as a smaller city. There is a vibrant arts scene with traveling Broadway shows, countless breweries and wineries in the Fingerlakes area, great hiking with the Adirondacks close by for a weekend off, and even a good food scene!

Zachary Patinkin, MD, MPH

Zachary Patinkin I grew up outside of the Boston area and went to undergrad at Johns Hopkins University. After college I spent a year in AmeriCorps and then moved out to Denver to spend 3 years as a research assistant studying the fetal programming of obesity, prior to going to medical school. I additionally received my MPH and have a strong interest in continuing research. My interests are in obesity and weight loss around the peripartum period.
Hometown: Newton, MA
Medical School: Frank H. Netter School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University
Career Goals: I plan on being a generalist in an academic setting, and hope to incorporate obesity medicine into my practice. I am currently open to going anywhere after residency.
Why I Chose URMC: Large tertiary care center where I knew I would have the chance to be well prepared for anything after residency. Tight-knit residency. Faculty with similar interests to my own. Amazing Obstetrics and Family Planning training.
Program's Best Feature: Everyone has each other's back. It's truly a second family.
My Favorite Things About Rochester: Everything is a close drive and it's a true city without having a big city feel. Plenty of parks and green spaces to bring my dog hiking.
Before I Started the Program I Wish I Knew: There's nothing you can do to prepare for residency; it's all learning on the fly. So take your time before you start to do something you enjoy and don't worry about preparing for day 1 of residency. Also, the winters are not as bad here has everyone says.

Sara Spielman, MD

Hometown: Belmont, MA
Medical School: Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
Career Goals: I am debating between a career as a generalist or pursuing a fellowship.
Why I Chose URMC: URMC offered a balance of excellent education and clinical experience, with a friendly/supportive atmosphere.
My Favorite Things About Rochester: Summer festivals, exploring parks in and around the city, trying new restaurants and breweries.

Logan Todhunter, DO

Logan Todhunter with her black lab puppy I grew up in Ithaca, NY, and have three younger siblings and both of my parents are veterinarians. We always had a lot of dogs running around. I spent a lot of my life in a pool and swam for Williams College. I did a post-baccalaureate year and then bopped around Boston, MA, after college, tutoring high schoolers at Lawrence High School. I was then lucky enough to start medical school at UNE COM.
Hometown: Ithaca, NY
Medical School: University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
Career Goals: Hopefully I end up close to my family, would love to stay in upstate NY!
Why I Chose URMC: Upstate NY has always had such a special place in my heart, after growing up in Ithaca, and it was a dream to come back for residency. I was fortunate enough to do a rotation at URMC at the beginning of my fourth year of medical school and was so impressed by the residents, faculty, staff, and patient population. I could tell this was a place I could learn and thrive in.
Program's Best Feature: The people.
My Favorite Things About Rochester: I love that it is close to the water.

Chloe Williams, MD

I'm a bit of a nomad having moved around the US when I was younger but my family moved to NM before High School and that's where I call home. I did my undergrad in Minnesota at Carleton College where I majored in Spanish. I then spent 3.5 years in the Peace Corps in Benin, West Africa working in a maternity ward and then in public health. I went back to NM for med school but wanted to come back east for residency.
Hometown: Albuquerque, NM
Medical School: University of New Mexico School of Medicine
Career Goals: I don't know yet! Career wise I will probably end up as a generalist because I like so much about Ob/Gyn that I find it hard to give up any part of it to specialize. If I were to do a fellowship it would probably be a global health fellowship or a family planning fellowship. I see myself long term in academics but will probably start out in Private Practice initially to get more surgical experience.
Why I Chose URMC: The people! I had been extremely interested in the program prior to interviewing but what really sold me was the interview day when I got to meet everyone. The residents were friendly and seemed to love the program and the faculty seemed very invested in the residency and getting to know the interviewees. The people plus the fact that I was looking for a strong academic program with an interest in family planning sold me that this was where I wanted to be.
Program's Best Feature: The people! I feel like that's a bit of cliche since most programs say that, but it's true. I chose this program for the people and they are definitely the best part of the program.
My Favorite Things About Rochester: The proximity to outdoors. Being from the southwest I love the outdoors and the nice thing about Rochester is how easy it is to get to hikes, lakes, national parks. There are definitely some delicious restaurants, as well.

First Year Residents

Yanling Dong, MD

Yanling Dong I grew up in Fuzhou Fujian province, China. My family and I moved to Queens, New York City when I was eighteen years old. I went to SUNY University at Buffalo for undergrad and SUNY Stony Brook University for medical school. I always wanted to become a doctor since middle school, and I am the first doctor in my family. My hobbies of crocheting, origami and cooking make me fall in love with surgical fields, where I can continue to use my hands. I chose obstetrics and gynecology because it is a perfect combination of medicine, surgery and primary care.
Hometown: Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China, and Queens, NYC
Medical School: Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University
Career Goals: I have not finalized my career goal yet, since I just started my residency and I want to explore the specialty more. So far, I enjoy all aspects of obstetrics and gynecology, especially the continuity of care. I may end up being a generalist if I don't develop a particular interest in a subspecialty.
Why I Chose URMC: URMC Obstetrics and Gynecology program is one of the most supportive programs I have ever met on my interview trail. It provides tremendous efforts to help the residents to achieve their career goals, as well as start and grow their families during residency. The training quality of our program is also extraordinary, as the residents have the opportunities to see complex referrals from upstate New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
Program's Best Feature: I love the people in our program so much. All the attendings are dedicated to teaching, and the nurses on the floors are very friendly. My co-interns and senior residents have regular get-together events to de-stress, debrief and bond. We celebrate the important moments in our lives together, like birthdays and baby showers. It makes me feel that I belong to a big family.
My Favorite Things About Rochester: My favorite things about Rochester are the beautiful sceneries and Wegmans!
Before I Started the Program I Wish I Knew: I wish I knew there are so many beautiful trails in Rochester, so I could quit my sedentary lifestyle earlier!

Emily Hart, DO

Emily Hart I grew up in Webster, NY and met my partner in middle school. Crazy, I know. We moved to Maine for my medical school education and got married along the way. Fell head over heels for OBGYN in my 3rd year of school and never looked back!
Hometown: Webster, NY
Medical School: University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why I Chose URMC: I always knew that I wanted to be back home near family, but I also wanted a residency program that felt like a second family. I loved the emphasis on bettering yourself and one another that was clear from talking to anyone involved in the program. Also, I admired the amazing reputation for great teaching, research, and happy residents who love each other!
Program's Best Feature: Everyone supports one another and really wants everyone to succeed!
My Favorite Things About Rochester: Close to the finger lakes (Dry Riesling anyone?), close to state parks for camping or hiking, Buffalo Bills games close by (GO BILLS)... It truly is an underrated city with endless things to do in and around the city.

Jared Lee, MD

Hometown: Port St. Luice, FL
Medical School: University of Miami School of Medicine
Career Goals: I would love to one day end up practicing as an academic gynecologic oncologist or urogynecologist!
Why I Chose URMC: Strong support for family planning, early exposure to urogynecology, strong didactics, the supportive faculty and residents!
My Favorite Things About Rochester: There are so many beautiful parks and trails up here! I'm a huge fan of the Maplewood Rose Garden.

Joanna Lin, MD

Joanna Lin I was born in Chicago and raised in the suburbs of Cleveland. I received my BS in Nutrition Science at The Ohio State University and MD at Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine.
Hometown: Solon, OH
Medical School: Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine
Why I Chose URMC: After my interview, I had the sense that the residency felt like a big family, which is an environment in which I would thrive. Plus, my mentor completed his fellowship here and had nothing but glowing remarks about the residency.
Program's Best Feature: It's one big family!
My Favorite Things About Rochester: The close proximity of beautiful hiking trails and scenic lake views.

Victoria Ly, MD

Victoria Ly I was born in Poughkeepsie, NY ("upstate" in the mid-Hudson Valley), but I lived with my grandparents in the Bronx for the first few years of my life. I eventually moved back to Poughkeepsie—although technically Wappingers Falls—to live with my parents and brothers after kindergarten. Then I went to Stony Brook University on Long Island for undergrad (biochemistry major) and medical school before I decided to move back upstate for residency! I will forever be a New Yorker.
Hometown: Poughkeepsie, NY
Medical School: Stony Brook University
Why I Chose URMC: I have only heard wonderful things about URMC. The OB/GYN department is phenomenal, and residents truly receive a comprehensive education in all breadths of obstetrics and gynecology. The program has a robust family planning curriculum based on the Ryan Program, which was one of my deal breakers because I want to be a strong advocate for reproductive rights. Additionally, Strong Memorial Hospital (SMH) is one of the few places where there is a separate designated L&D for high risk patients. I also knew I wanted to train in an academic institute with a high research output, but ultimately, I think I chose the University of Rochester because I was blown away by how incredibly kind and genuine everyone was on my interview day. The strength of the training may have lured me to the program, but the people made me choose it.
Program's Best Feature: The people! Everyone is approachable, patient, and extremely eager to teach. That's a good combination to have in an educator. Also, I feel like people care about me and my well-being here, and I am not just another interchangeable person rotating through their program.
My Favorite Things About Rochester: I received a lot of mixed comments when I told my friends and family downstate that I was moving to Rochester, but honestly, I am loving it here! Granted I have not yet experienced the Rochester winters, but I am thoroughly enjoying the craft breweries, vineyards, and hiking trails either locally or along the Finger Lakes. Although garbage plates have not grown on me yet, I am a true fan of Wegmans at Pittsford.

Alexis Platek, MD

Alexis Platek I am from Hamburg, NY, a suburb of Buffalo, NY. I went to the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada where I studied zoology. After receiving my BSc I obtained a Masters of Science degree from Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Natural and Biomedical sciences and then pursued medicine at the University at Buffalo. I love spending time with my husband and our fur babies, Lille (husky/shepherd) and Leo (Maine coon).
Hometown: Hamburg, NY
Medical School: University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Why I Chose URMC: I chose URMC for the people I met on my interview day and at my pre-interview dinner. Everyone I met during the interview process was wonderful and extremely welcoming. I felt comfortable and new that these were the type of people I wanted to work with everyday.
Program's Best Feature: The residents!
My Favorite Things About Rochester: I am new to Rochester and am enjoying exploring all of the restaurants in the area!

Michelle Vu, MD

Michelle Vu Chicago native to Rochester transplant. Runner, sushi lover, and reproductive rights advocate!
Hometown: Barrington, IL
Medical School: University of Illinois College of Medicine
Why I Chose URMC: URMC is an incredible place to learn and work. I am able to work with an extremely diverse, urban patient population. I am also able to receive comprehensive family planning training.
Program's Best Feature: Your co-residents become your family and there is never-ending support from your attendings.

Devin Williams, MD

Devin Williams I have spent the majority of my life in school. However, it gave me the opportunity to live in other cities such as Atlanta and NYC before returning to Rochester for medical school and residency. Outside of work, my favorite things are food and travel. I am always looking for a new restaurant to try. Specifically , a good burger and the best happy hour deals! When I get vacation time, I will probably be traveling to somewhere new or visiting friends out of Rochester. I also enjoy working out, reading and puzzles.
Hometown: Rochester, NY
Medical School: University of Rochester, School of Medicine and Dentistry
Career Goals: I am not sure where I will end up but I hope to be the best advocate for my patients and work to end racial disparities in maternal morbidity and mortality.
Why I Chose URMC: Rochester is home. I wanted to train at a program close to family and friends. Additionally, I chose a program where I felt supported and there were people with values similar to mine.
My Favorite Things About Rochester: My favorite thing about Rochester is there is something for everyone! There is amazing food, wineries, breweries, fun festivals in the summer, beaches and great hiking. I also love that we get all four seasons, and I don't mind the winter!

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