Why did you choose medicine?
I have liked both natural sciences and humanities since childhood. Choosing medicine was gradual, partly influenced by my mom, who enrolled me in premedical classes at age 15, when I hardly knew anything about medicine. I did not know any doctors, but I was influenced by reading — the collective image of a doctor from Russian literature, an ironically or tragically described intellectual, striving—and often struggling—to help people in the face of the merciless nature of biology and societal problems. Once in medical school, my interest solidified as I became fascinated by the logic of pathophysiology and met real patients.
Why did you choose Yale Department of Internal Medicine for your fellowship?
I liked the people I interviewed with; even through Zoom, I sensed a friendly and supportive atmosphere. The Section of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology at Yale offers outstanding research opportunities, incredible mentors who are experts in their fields, and a wide range of clinical cases. The Department of Immunobiology is among the world’s best, providing a unique chance to learn from people who have made discoveries in the field. For me, the decision was obvious.
What was your path to Yale?
I did my internal medicine residency at a Bridgeport Hospital program affiliated with Yale and stayed there as an academic hospitalist for a few years. Rheumatology has fascinated me since medical school, and when I decided to pursue a fellowship, the opportunity to train at Yale presented itself.
What’s a fun fact about you?
I have a cat named after Leo Tolstoy.
Yale School of Medicine’s Section of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology is dedicated to providing care for patients with rheumatic, allergic, and immunologic disorders; educating future generations of thought leaders in the field; and conducting research into fundamental questions of autoimmunity and immunology. To learn more, visit Rheumatology, Allergy & Immunology.