2026 Internal Medicine Alumni Newsletter
2026 Internal Medicine Alumni Newsletter
It's Time to Celebrate!
The countdown is on to the 100th anniversary celebration of the Internal Medicine Residency Program. Join us on Friday and Saturday, May 29–30, 2026 as we welcome graduates from our Categorical Internal Medicine, Associated Hospitals Program/Primary Care Program in Internal Medicine, and Medicine-Pediatrics residencies for this special weekend of reconnection and reflection. Weekend activities offer opportunities to reconnect with past and current Program Directors, revisit cherished memories during a hospital tour, explore the evolution of medicine and residency training in Rochester, and network with current residents, treasured mentors, and lifelong friends.
The festivities kick off with an alumni cocktail reception on Friday evening at the Academy of Medicine and continue through Saturday night with dinner at the Memorial Art Gallery.
We hope to see you and your family there!
Inspired by Rochester
“Given that we were at the University of Rochester, our approaches were informed by the biopsychosocial model. We were pushed constantly to learn and to think critically.” - Stewart Babbott, MD (Res '90, Chief Res '91)
“A formative memory from residency was the support I received as a female intern over two decades ago with a 12-week-old infant—an experience that exemplifies UR Medicine’s supportive, progressive culture.” - Keely Dwyer-Matzky, MD (Res '06, MSBA '19)
“One memory that stands out was when one of our classmate’s fathers fell ill, and she had to return home immediately. Since she was a senior on inpatient medicine, immediate coverage was needed. All of us volunteered to take her shifts, including splitting her long-call! We were all so close and we protected and cared for each other.” - Michael Joynt, MD (Res '12)
“I think without a doubt, the clinical training was exceptional. It really showed that it's possible to have a rigorous training program while supporting residents and ensuring they still have a life outside of the hospital.” - Carlos Oronce, MD (Res '19)
“The skills I developed during my training at Rochester remain my north star — how to communicate with patients and families, how to approach clinical complexity with humility, and how to lead with thoughtfulness and integrity.” - Alison Walker (MD '02, Res '05)
“In particular, I remember when [Program Director] Rudy [Napodano] would come to morning report, and how stern he could look. I learned quickly that “I don’t know,” or “get a consult” were never the right answer, regardless of his question, but I remember him fondly, and I’m grateful that he ingrained in me a passion for excellence and thoroughness. “ - Peter Weissman (MD '88, Res '91)
Leading the Next Generation

From left to right: Amy Blatt, MD (Res '06), Erica Miller, MD (Res '15, Flw '18), and Catherine Gracey, (MD '87, 'Res 90, MS '16)
With longstanding ties to the University of Rochester and distinguished careers in clinical care and medical education, Amy Blatt, MD (Res '06), Program Director for the Internal Medicine Residency, Erica Miller, MD (Res '15, Flw '18), Program Director for the Medicine-Pediatrics Residency, and Catherine Gracey (MD '87, Res '90, MS '16), Vice Chair of Education and Associate Program Director for the Internal Medicine Residency, now guide the residency training programs, shaping curriculum, advancing equity, and fostering excellence in graduate medical education.
Meet the 2025-26 Chief Residents

From left to right: Kunali Gurditta (MD '21, Res '25), Nina Rizk (MD '22, Res '25), Troy Anlage, MD (Res '25), Natalia Aerton, MD (Res '25), and Michael Tiongson, MD (Res '25)
The Internal Medicine and Medicine-Pediatrics programs are excited to introduce the current chief residents. Find out more about them!
Meet Our Internal Medicine Chief Residents Meet Our Medicine-Pediatrics Chief Resident
Showcasing Excellence: A Successful Resident Poster Day

28th Annual Resident Poster Day Presentation
Our annual Resident Poster Day, coordinated by John Grable, MD, PhD (Res '97), has been a longstanding tradition where residents from the Internal Medicine and Medicine-Pediatrics programs have the opportunity to share their scholarly work. This year there were over 35 submissions, showcasing our residents' work in clinical care, quality improvement, research, and medical education. Congratulations to all!
Investing in the Next Generation of Physician-Leaders
The University of Rochester Medical Center is investing in the next generation of physician-leaders through innovative programs that advance groundbreaking research and compassionate patient care. Together, these programs are shaping physician-leaders who advance discovery while delivering care with empathy and impact.
Elevating Research
The ROC StARR Training Program, funded by an NIH R38 grant, gives residents the opportunity to pursue an additional mentored-research year during residency and engage in research focused on immune-related diseases. The protected time, mentorship, and resources to explore meaningful research is truly transformational in helping to prepare the next generation of physician-scientists. Jennifer Anolik, MD, PhD (Res '99, Flw '02) Chief of the Division of Allergy/Immunology and Rheumatology directs the program along with Co-Director Kris Jarvinen-Seppo, MD, PhD and Candace Gildner, MD, PhD of the Department of Pediatrics
Learn More: ROC StARR Training Program
Empowering Compassion
Building on the University of Rochester's longstanding focus on the biopsychosocial approach to patient care, the Advanced Communication Training (ACT) Program equips clinicians with the skills and confidence to lead compassionate conversations with patients and families facing serious illness. This ground-breaking communication program was developed by Thomas Carroll, MD, PhD (Res '11, Chief Res '12, Flw '13) and Robert Horowitz, MD (Res '98). Our Medicine and Medicine-Pediatrics residents all participated in the ACT course this academic year.
Learn More: Advanced Communication Training (ACT) Program
Support Internal Medicine Residents at URMC
You can support our mission to improve health through caring, discovery, teaching, and learning. Consider making a gift today.
For additional information about giving, please contact Lori Aratari at lori.aratari@rochester.edu or (585) 356-0739.
