Fellow Focus in Four introduces you to fellows from each section of the Department of Internal Medicine. This month's fellow is Trina Pal, MD, MPH, Rheumatology, Allergy & Immunology.
Why did you choose medicine?
Medicine has been my goal in life since I was a child. My family is the biggest influence and hashelped in guiding my decisions on the path to medicine. Of course, anyone in the field has a desire to help other people, but the ever-changing nature of the science is what truly drew me in over the past decade. I love the relationships and trust that can be built with patients, along with the satisfaction you get when a patient is treated successfully -- this is exactly why I look forward to going to work every morning.
Why did you choose Yale Department of Internal Medicine for your fellowship?
They chose me!
What was your path to Yale?
As I always knew I wanted to study medicine, I started early by applying and graduating from the Academy for Medical & Science Technology at Bergen County Academies in New Jersey. I completed a senior year internship in the emergency department at Hackensack Meridian Health as well as working as an EMT, which solidified my love for medicine. I double-majored at Lehigh University in political science and neuroscience as the health care field was vastly changing during that time. I received a Master's in Public Health with a global health focus at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai where I completed my thesis on the stigma of mental illness In India. Afterwards, I attended medical school at St. George's University and completed my residency in internal medicine at St. Joseph's Health where I got involved with writing chapters in rheumatology with our chairman at the time. I knew rheumatology was what I wanted to specialize in when I saw the population of patients who were struggling with autoimmune conditions, as well as the vastly evolving pharmaceutical field.
What's a fun fact about you?
I got my PADI advanced open water diver certification while I was in medical school, and I now have been on over 30 dives. If I'm not underwater, you can find me hiking, traveling, or touring new cities.
Perks of living in New Haven? Connecticut?
I've always lived in the Northeast, and currently live in West Hartford. I absolutely love the area as it has so much to do! My husband and I take our Pomsky puppy on many hikes which can get challenging but have amazing views. Summertime brings river tubing, kayaking, outdoor music festivals and so much more while the colder weather brings campfires and skiing. It's also great being <2 hours from NYC and Boston.
What is your 5-year goal? 10-year? Overall career?
After fellowship, I hope to join a practice to refine my clinical skills for a few years. I would eventually like to get involved with the pharmaceutical industry to aid in the development of new medications or clinical trials.