Yanling Dong, MD
Introduction: 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!
Victoria Ly, MD
Introduction: 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.
Michelle Vu, MD
Introduction: I am a 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.
Emily Hart, DO
Introduction: 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.
Joanna Lin, MD
Introduction: 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.
Alexis Platek, MD
Introduction: 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!
Devin Williams, MD
Introduction: 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.