Jessica Zuo, MD, Clinician-Educator Fellow (Geriatrics)
Why did you choose medicine?
My interest in medicine was sparked early on, starting with a summer volunteering at my local hospital, then attending summer programs for high school students interested in healthcare. I love that as a physician, I get to think about the science of the human body and develop powerful relationships with patients and their loved ones as we figure out how to help them reach their goals.
Why did you choose Yale Department of Internal Medicine for your fellowship?
I had heard about Yale being a geriatrics powerhouse, so I was eager to apply and check it out. On my interview day, I was so impressed by the warmth of the faculty and staff here, as well as the broad exposure to many sites of care. I was also very excited about the opportunity to spend an extra year at Yale for a clinician-educator fellowship, which I just started this summer after completing my initial clinical fellowship year. My partner had also started his internal medicine residency at Yale by the time I was applying for fellowship, so Yale naturally became my top choice!
Perks of living in New Haven? Connecticut?
I’ve really been loving the beautiful outdoors here in Connecticut, especially East Rock Park, Elizabeth Park (especially when their roses are in bloom!), and Harkness Memorial State Park.
What is your 5-year goal? 10-year? Overall career?
I really love both clinical care and teaching and so I’m looking forward to a career as an academic geriatrician. I love the different sites of care in which geriatricians can work with patients, particularly the inpatient geriatrics unit and home-based primary care. I hope to share the joys of working with older adults with trainees and help instill geriatrics principles, as they are relevant in all fields of medicine.