Testimonials about the UPMC McKeesport Internal Medicine Residency Program

Residency is a life-changing experience which defines not only one’s career but also helps in shaping one’s personality. I am happy that I got to train at UPMC McKeesport and spend some of the best years of my life here. The most important thing I enjoyed during training was the autonomy. During senior residency, we were completely in charge of our patients, especially in the ICU. The resident-driven rapid response teams and having ample opportunities for procedures gave us immense confidence. This is a great place to train because we got hands-on experience, without competing with fellows. The specialists here are approachable and residents get their undivided attention during rotations. We got to work closely with the nurses, staff, and coordinators. The family like feel makes the program unique. 

I am currently doing a fellowship in endocrinology at UPMC Presbyterian. This would not have been possible without the support of core faculty and our endocrinologists. Residents who were interested in fellowships were provided the opportunity to do research at the university, which helped in building a strong CV.  I enjoyed my time at UPMC McKeesport and formed some lifelong friendships here.

Divya Sistla, MD
Graduate class of 2019 

The internal medicine residency program at UPMC McKeesport provides excellent training and learning opportunities. The thing I liked the most during my residency was the close bonding everyone had with each other. It’s more like a family, where we care for each other and try to help in all possible ways. Also, the faculty is very approachable and appreciative of the work you do. Both core as well as subspecialty rotations give you an excellent opportunity to learn and grow. I, along with three of my other residency colleagues are working as attendings in the same hospital, which shows the strong bonding and trust we have in the program. If given a choice, I would choose the same residency program all over again.

Sulman Hashmi, MD
Graduate class of 2018

After years of medical school, one would like to find the best match for their residency. It is natural for everyone to wish for an Ivy League program, but that might not be the, “perfect match,” because as it suggests, a program could be a perfect niche for a resident without being an Ivy League university program. I reflect upon the UPMC McKeesport Internal Medicine Residency Program as such for me. 
This community-based program allows residents to excel in their self-guided learning with close and direct supervision from the attending, without any added layer in communication. The independent ICU nights and leading the rapid response team provided me with ample opportunities to master my vital procedure skills and critical thinking. Our continuity clinic allowed us to take care of a diverse population with complex medical problems, which gave me the confidence to take care of patients with any background. Undoubtedly, the affiliation to UPMC is a portal for diverse scholarly activity and unbound research opportunities. 
Being on the other side of the picture as an attending physician after my graduation, I could critique better than when I was a resident. Choosing this program for my residency training is one of the most important and best choices I’ve ever made. Training here with wonderful colleagues and attendings has been an enriching life experience. The network of dedicated and extremely motivated faculty, the collegiality among residents, and supportive staff, provides invaluable resources for any aspiring physician. If you are looking for a program that allows and supports both your personal and professional growth, then I think the UPMC McKeesport Internal Medicine Residency Program is the best option. 

Shubash Adhikari, MD
Graduate class of 2017

I was very fortunate to do my internal medicine residency and serve as a chief resident at UPMC McKeesport. When I think about our program, things that I cherish were the approachable faculty, great work-life balance, and family-like atmosphere. Our program promotes autonomy with patient care in both inpatient and outpatient settings and hands-on experience with the procedures, which made me a confident physician. Our program emphasizes the importance of scholarly activities and provides support to the residents.  It was inspiring to interact with exceptional human beings and outstanding attendings (long list of names to mention).  If I was given a choice, I would choose our program again as a top choice.  Thank you UPMC McKeesport, for giving me an excellent learning experience, and an opportunity to meet the wonderful people, faculty and extended family. I will be always indebted to you.

Srinivas Vunnam, MD
Graduate class of 2016