Fellow Focus in Four will introduce you to fellows from each section of the Department of Internal Medicine. This month's fellow is Yuliya Afinogenova, MD, fellow, rheumatology, allergy & immunology.
Fellow Focus in Four
Why did you choose medicine and Yale?
I always liked the diagnostic challenges and thinking about the interplay of all of the systems of the human body, so medicine was a natural fit for me. After finishing medical school, Yale was an easy choice for my training in Internal Medicine. My husband just started medical school here at that time, and it was time for us to stop the weekly commutes and settle in the same town. I loved my experiences here and stayed on for my fellowship training at Yale. I am now starting my second year in a combined Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology Fellowship at Yale and am looking forward to many more years at this wonderful institution.
What is a fun fact about you?
In my free time, I love being active – I am always trying to go running, cycling, playing tennis, hiking, camping, or skiing.
Perks of New Haven life?
The great part about New Haven is that you are so close to everything – great hiking, camping, skiing, and beaches! New Haven itself is a gem with many wonderful restaurants and cultural activities. Fun fact about New Haven – one of our family friends visited us recently, and after two days filled with activities, including visiting the undergraduate colleges at Yale, Sleeping Giant, Hammonasset Beach, The Place, local wineries and breweries, they returned home saying that New Haven was one of the highlights of the trip!
What is your 5-year goal? 10-year? Overall career?
My career goals have continued to evolve during my medical training, and I am sure this answer may be slightly different in five to ten years. I know that I would like to stay in academics, seeing patients, teaching, and being involved in clinical research and/or clinical trials. What I particularly like about academics is that your career will always take a somewhat new trajectory every five to ten years, and I find this very refreshing and reassuring.