About the Internal Medicine Residency

Timothy Phillips, MD, class of 2024

Residency, no matter where you go, is going to be difficult at times. It helps to have a quality-designed program that is built to support you, by which I can undoubtedly say that St. E’s fits the bill. The faculty are top notch and are leaders in their field across the city, as well as the nation. They are here to support and promote your development into a well-trained internist here and help seize all the successes that come thereafter. And though it’s too often said elsewhere, the strength of this program is its residents. I can honestly say I am so lucky to have met and work with such an amazingly intelligent, caring, and impressive group here at St. E’s. Drawing from all walks of life across the globe, the diverse perspectives, and experiences of the co-residents here foster an inherently special and collaborative nature that betters everyone involved. Truly, your co-residents here will be the ones who teach you most. With an encouraging environment, a superb fellowship match rate and diverse patient population to take care of, St. Elizabeth’s is a hidden gem in the proverbial Mecca of Medicine that is Boston.

Dallas Miller, MD, class of 2024

I chose St. Es for residency because of the programs’ thoughtfully organized curriculum and structure, the strong emphasis on didactics, the diversity among residents and faculty within the program, the caliber of clinician educators, and the program’s role as a tertiary care center in Boston. In each of these areas the program has exceeded my initial impressions and expectations. This is a program that values inclusivity, diversity of backgrounds and experiences. The breadth and complexity of pathology we encounter as residents at St. E’s offers tremendous learning opportunities under the guidance of skilled attending physicians. However, the strengths of this program lie in the camaraderie among our residents and the dedication of our leadership. I am truly thankful to be a part of this family that has enriched my life and supported both my personal and professional growth.

Hind El Naamani, MD, PGY-3

My guiding principle in selecting an Internal Medicine program was to find one that truly aligned with my values and aspirations. Three pivotal criteria shaped by search: a nurturing and inclusive environment, crucial for an IMG like myself; abundant clinical exposure; and a location that resonated with my personal preferences. Now, having spent a year at St. E's, I can affirm with confidence that this program not only met, but exceeded all my expectations. Each day, we receive referrals from neighboring hospitals, turning to us for the expertise of leaders in the field. This dynamic environment has afforded me the opportunity to engage with a diverse range of cases, broadening my clinical experience. Amids the fast-paced nature of our work, the hospital provides a good support system with monthly health and wellness sessions, coupled with enjoyable medical as well as non-medical activities, thus fostering a positive work-life balance. The program's diversity is a source of great interest to me. I've made friends here from across the world that I know will be cherished for a lifetime. Of course, one can't but acknowledge the sheer beauty of Massachusetts. The state offers an abundance of activities. From enjoying the beauty of nature to delving into the rich culture and history through visits to historic sites and museums. I look forward to further growth in this program, on both a personal and professional level.

John Koenig, MD, PGY-3

St. Elizabeth Medical Center has given me the collaborative environment I was searching for in a residency program. I first rotated through St. E’s as a medical student, and was struck by how genuinely supportive everyone was, from the residents to the attendings. It wasn’t just about learning medicine; it was about teamwork and helping each other succeed. Now, as a resident, those impressions have only grown stronger. My co-residents are always have your back, whether it's tackling a complex case or offering support outside of the hospital. The attendings here go above and beyond in their commitment to our education. They’re not just supervisors; they’re mentors who take a personal interest in our development. Whether it's taking extra time after rounds to break down a challenging case, encouraging us to think critically about clinical decisions, or providing hands-on teaching during procedures, their dedication to our learning is constant. What I appreciate most is that they treat us as future colleagues, not just residents in training. They create a space where we feel comfortable asking questions, admitting uncertainties, and learning from mistakes. This open, supportive relationship with the attendings has been instrumental in building my confidence and clinical skills, and it's something that will shape me as I move forward in my career as a hospitalist.

Pakin Lalitnithi, MD, PGY-2

The biggest thing I was looking for when I applied to residency was the opportunity to grow into the best doctor I can be in a supportive environment. Over the past year at St. E’s, I can confidently say I’ve found the guidance and support to grow both personally and professionally. The program’s strength comes from its diverse group of residents, who come from all over the world, each bringing unique experiences that create a dynamic learning environment. As an IMG, I’ve felt incredibly welcomed and supported by everyone here. We learn from one another, creating a community where growth feels so natural. For clinical experience, St. E’s has provided me with a solid clinical foundation while also giving me the confidence and autonomy to handle complex cases. As one of the leading tertiary care centers in Massachusetts, we encounter a wide variety of clinical presentations, from common cases to rare, complex scenarios. This experience is further enriched by the exceptional mentorship from our attendings, whose dedication to teaching and hands-on guidance has been invaluable. On top of that, Boston adds another layer of excitement to the experience, offering countless opportunities for exploration—from walking along the Charles River Esplanade to discovering new restaurants with my co-residents. I look forward to continuing my journey here, knowing that I’m surrounded by an incredible team of mentors and colleagues, which makes this residency truly special.

Stephanie Sanchez-Melendez, MD, PGY-1

As a Hispanic/Latina, finding a program that values diversity was essential for me. One of the highlights of my experience at St. Elizabeth Medical Center (SEMC) is its remarkable diversity among faculty, residents, staff, and patients. This diversity, combined with the program’s warm and positive culture, has greatly enhanced my learning experience. Navigating intern year has been made more manageable and enjoyable thanks to the support of fantastic residents who have guided me every step of the way. My goal as a preliminary intern was to gain exposure to a variety of medical scenarios to build a solid foundation in internal medicine. At SEMC, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a diverse range of medical conditions in both the wards and the ICU, as well as in various subspecialty clinics in the outpatient setting. The 4+2 schedule has also been beneficial, allowing me to maintain a healthy work-life balance. I am grateful for the opportunity to train alongside an exceptional group of individuals from around the world. My experience at SEMC will prepare me well for the next chapter in my career, specifically for my upcoming Dermatology Residency at Boston University/Boston Medical Center. Additionally, I am enjoying everything Boston has to offer, which has enriched my overall experience."