Meet William Hines, MPH, MD, from Louisville, KY. He attended Keck School of Medicine of USC, and is a PGY-3 in the Traditional Internal Medicine Residency Program.
What led you to pursue a career in medicine?
Growing up, I had a lot of health challenges, and by the time I reached elementary school, I was intimately familiar with the healthcare system, general doctors, and specialists. I don't have any doctors in my family, and so outside of my lived experience, medicine was a bit of a black box. As I continued to grow up, I realized I had an affinity for the sciences, a strong passion for human connection, and a drive to address social and health care inequities. My experiences as a patient and my desire to care for others ultimately led me to pursue medicine as a career. I was also fortunate enough to meet wonderful mentors along the way who guided and supported me on my journey into medicine.
What are your goals after you complete internal medicine residency? Where do you see yourself?
Next year I will be the Chief Resident in Quality Improvement at the West Haven VA, which I am really looking forward to! Otherwise, my special interest is in human health and the environment, and I'm planning on pursuing a fellowship in Occupational and Environmental medicine after I complete my chief year. My dream career is a mix of clinical practice, likely as a hospitalist, with an administrative role focusing on carbon net neutrality and climate change informed practices in a healthcare setting.
Why did you choose Yale for your internal medicine residency?
I knew a few current residents at Yale while I was applying for residency and I was lucky enough to be able to ask them about the program. Their answers confirmed what I had felt on the interview trail. Which was that the program is supportive, caring, and the residents are all kind. I was fortunate enough to match here and the rumors were true! Every one of my co-residents truly remarkable and I have been so lucky to be in such a supportive learning environment.
Describe your experience at Yale IMed in 3 words.
Compassionate, supportive, and brilliant.
What is your fondest memory at Yale thus far?
That’s a tough question! I would have to say my favorite memory so far was my intern retreat of the first year. The program was kind enough to give us a few days off. My friends and I spend a long weekend in Provincetown, Massachusetts. We went to the beach, visited art galleries and ate so much seafood!
Who has had the greatest influence on you, and why?
Another great question. I have had so many mentors along the way that have helped me tremendously, both personally and professionally. However, my biggest supporter and greatest influence is my mother. Her messaging has always consistently been that no dream is too big, and no barrier is too difficult. I likely wouldn’t be where I am today without her.
If you could say anything to your younger self, what would you say?
It’s going to be ok! Medical training is long, arduous, and at times stressful. The great thing about life is that you always end up where you were meant to be, and things have a way of working themselves out. Trust the process and yourself.
What's a fun fact about you?
I make kombucha! I picked it up as a hobby during COVID and have made small batches periodically since.
What is one piece of advice you'd give someone who is applying for internal medicine residency?
Be yourself! Let your application speak for your accomplishments and let your personal qualities shine through during the interview. Also, be confident! If they’re interviewing you then the program is interested. You should focus on just being the unique great applicant that you are.
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, visitInternal Medicine.