Leah Schecter, MD, Clinical Fellow (Geriatrics)
Why did you choose medicine?
I chose medicine when I realized that it can, and should, embrace a wholistic approach to caring for people and communities. When I decided to pursue medicine, I was mostly excited by that social science perspective of considering how societal factors and injustices impact health. As I continue to choose medicine, what motivates me even more is often the simple act of listening to people’s stories, sharing with them, and hopefully providing comfort in some of the most challenging times in their lives.
Why did you choose Yale Department of Internal Medicine for your fellowship?
I found such a supportive community and professional home here at Yale during my residency that I really wanted to stay. My love of geriatric medicine grew and developed in large part because of the geriatrics opportunities and faculty that I worked with during residency, and I was eager to continue my training here. I was also excited by the prospect of developing my skills as an educator and mentor, as being a resource for medical students and residents has been a very rewarding part of my Internal Medicine training.
What was your path to Yale?
I’m originally from Florida and have moved in the opposite geographic direction of many of our geriatric patients. I attended the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore for medical school, and my passion for primary care next led me to the Yale Primary Care Internal Medicine residency program. Now I’m lucky enough to be staying at Yale for my Geriatrics fellowship.
What's a fun fact about you?
I love drawing and painting, and since medical school I’ve really enjoyed making anatomy-inspired illustrations. I’m excited to hopefully have a little more time to make art in fellowship than I had in residency!
