Meet Rema Elmostafa, MD, from Akka, Palestine. She attended Mercer University School of Medicine and is a PGY-2 in the Primary Care Residency Program in the Department of Internal Medicine.
What led you to pursue a career in medicine?
I chose medicine because it combines two of my passions: science and people. Physicians are scientists of the body, and work with an interdisciplinary team to constantly develop and refine new hypotheses for potential diagnoses, while also advocating for populations less fortunate than our own. I get to wake up every day and be faced with a new challenge and a new patient with a new story. It is one of the most fulfilling careers.
What are your goals after you complete internal medicine residency? Where do you see yourself?
I plan to pursue a career in nephrology! First and foremost, the people in the field are wonderful; I really felt like I found my niche with them. I love the complex renal physiology and being able to follow patients longitudinally throughout the course of their disease, even through tough end-of-life conversations. There is also a lot of opportunity for primary care within nephrology, and as a resident of the Yale Primary Care track, that was definitely something that appealed to me about the specialty.
Why did you choose Yale IMed for your internal medicine residency?
I chose to do my internal medicine residency for the supportive, fun, and talented group of doctors that I get to work with every day! Residency is hard, and being able to go on this journey with amazing people makes it all worthwhile.
Describe your experience at Yale IMed in 3 words.
Nurturing, challenging, inspiring.
What is your fondest memory at Yale thus far?
My fondest memory of Yale so far was during our intern retreat. My co-residents and I did an activity where we each taped a piece of construction paper on our backs and went around to each person and wrote a positive message or what our favorite attributes of that person was. I still treasure that piece of paper to this day and look at it when I'm feeling down.
Who has had the greatest influence on you, and why?
My mother has had the greatest influence on me. She has overcome so many hardships and challenges to help support me to where I am today. She is the strongest person I know.
If you could say anything to your younger self, what would you say?
I would remind myself that I can accomplish anything that I set my mind to! And also that everything will work out.
What's a fun fact about you?
I love to belly dance (and I am pretty good at it!)
What is one piece of advice you'd give someone who is applying for internal medicine residency?
Find your niche, find the people that bring out the best in you. You will get rigorous training no matter where you go, but the family and support you get from your co-residents is lifelong.
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.