Meet Rachel Thompson, MD, from Minneapolis, Minnesota. She attended University of Minnesota Medical School, and is a PGY-2 in the traditional internal medicine residency training program in the Department of Internal Medicine.
What led you to pursue a career in medicine?
Growing up, I was always interested in the science of medicine because I enjoy thinking critically about the puzzles of physiology and disease mechanisms, but I wasn’t exactly sure what that would mean for my future. As an undergraduate, I had the opportunity to spend a summer working with adults with developmental disabilities who had developed dementia. I learned how to recognize each client’s distinct needs on a daily basis. This experience led me to recognize the humanity of medicine and identify my passion for caring for individuals, not just diseases, which is what pushed me to pursue a career as a physician specifically.
What are your goals after you complete internal medicine residency? Where do you see yourself?
I plan to pursue a gastroenterology fellowship, specifically due to my interest in hepatology, after completing internal medicine residency. I see myself working in academic medicine as a clinician educator because of my passion for medical education, specifically optimizing curriculum development for adult learners.
Why did you choose Yale IMed for your internal medicine residency?
The culture! The people! Even with a virtual interview, the culture of Yale was obvious from the beginning. Yale is truly unique in that it is a highly respected academic program with vast amounts of world class research that maintains a welcoming, supportive community. This has proven itself true through all of the relationships I have formed with co-residents, faculty and mentors over the past two years!
Describe your experience at Yale IMed in 3 words.
Collaborative, inspirational, and pizza.
What is your fondest memory at Yale thus far?
Too many to choose from! Recently, we had a clinic block retreat to Litchfield, CT. Residents from PGY-1 to PGY-3 chose to spend the night in a house together and then had a day of team building exercises and leadership activities. Though the day of activities was required, spending the night was something that everyone in our clinic block wanted to do. It was so nice to see that this community is supportive enough that the interns feel comfortable spending time with the senior residents outside of work. The fajitas that we made as a group were also delicious!
Who has had the greatest influence on you, and why?
My family has had the greatest influence on me because they have taught me to be curious, intellectual, and empathetic. Specifically, my grandfather was the only other physician in my family, and he exemplified caring for his patients from both a medical and personal perspective. He also helped me develop a very dry sense of humor while still being compassionate, so I have always envisioned myself as his doppelganger. Sadly, he died suddenly from aggressive cancer when I was in middle school, which was my first push to seriously consider a career in medicine. As I grappled with understanding grief, cancer, and life without my “Boppo,” I realized that the best way to honor him was to emulate him–as a physician and a person.
If you could say anything to your younger self, what would you say?
Enjoy each step of the process. Training to become a physician is a long road but it is always interesting and there is so much to learn. I use little tidbits of knowledge from all of my past clerkships, even the non-Internal Medicine experiences!
What's a fun fact about you?
I love spending time outdoors. One of my favorite memories is eluding a mac and cheese stealing black bear in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in Northern Minnesota!
What is one piece of advice you'd give someone who is applying for internal medicine residency?
It is okay to not know exactly what you want to do! I have had a lot of different medical interests throughout training which has shaped me into the clinician I am today and has helped me to recognize what I am truly passionate about. There is such variety within internal medicine and residency is just the beginning of an exciting and fulfilling career!
The Department of Internal Medicine at Yale is among the nation's premier departments, bringing together an elite cadre of clinicians, investigators and educators in one of the world's top medical schools. To learn more about the department, visit Internal Medicine.