Meet Collin Homer-Bouthiette, from East Granby, CT. He attended University of South Carolina School of Medicine, and is a PGY-2 in the Traditional Internal Medicine Residency Program.
What led you to pursue a career in medicine?![]()
I've always wanted to find a career that allowed me to make a positive impact in the lives of others. I think that was instilled by watching my parents strive to help people through their careers in social work. Medicine combined my interest in science with the ability to give others some comfort in difficult circumstances
What are your goals after you complete residency? Where do you see yourself?
After residency I will be pursuing a fellowship in pulmonary and critical care medicine. I have loved my experience in the medical/COVID ICU while at Yale and found my passion.
Why did you choose Yale IMed for your residency?
Yale obviously has a great reputation as an educational institution, but it was truly the people that drew me to Yale. During the interview process the residents and faculty were welcoming, friendly, and truly seemed supported and happy in the residency program. My experience here has only proven that to be true time and time again.
Describe your experience at Yale IMed in 3 words.
Supportive, educating, challenging.
What is your fondest memory at Yale thus far?
Spending time with my co-residents at program sponsored events (pre-COVID), while in the hospital or finding time on days off to enjoy outings together. The close bond between the residents really makes all the difference. Also, playing on the Beeson Bombers softball team!
Who has had the greatest influence on you, and why?
I would have to say my parents. They supported me through all the good and challenging times in my life, and gave me all the opportunities that allowed me to be where I am today. They are pretty great!
If you could say anything to your younger self, what would you say?
Not everything works out the way you plan, but everything can be a learning experience.
What's a fun fact about you?
I really enjoy cooking, and the pandemic has allowed me to expand my skills. I've made Chilean sea bass with roasted red pepper sauce, seafood paella, macaroons, and tiramisu. During the pandemic, I was also able to explore the local hiking scene and completed all the trails at Sleeping Giant, and enjoyed the views at Hubbard Park/Castle Craig.
What is one piece of advice you'd give someone who is applying for residency?
All residency programs will provide you with education and experience but in my opinion the more important aspect is the learning environment—how supported you are by the program and people around you while learning.
What have been your biggest challenges and accomplishments since the beginning of the pandemic?
Biggest challenges have been having been diagnosed with COVID early on, and being isolated from my friends and family. This gave me time to read about COVID in my free time during quarantine, and I made the best medical call of my career so far after returning to work in the COVID ICU. Diagnosed R heart strain on EKG, followed it up with bedside ultrasound and found an RV thrombus! Pushed tPA and the patient was eventually discharged after a prolonged COVID course.
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, visit Internal Medicine.