Meet Aneil Bhalla, from Ottawa, Canada. He attended St George's University School of Medicine, and is a PGY-4 in the Yale-Waterbury Residency Program.
What led you to pursue a career in medicine?
Training and traveling as a competitive tennis player was a large part of my life while growing up in Canada. After being recruited to the United States on a Division I athletic scholarship, I was fortunate enough to have been provided with multiple opportunities to volunteer at local hospitals as part of a student-athlete outreach program. Seeing profound improvements in the overall wellness of our patients, especially through the development of unique physician-patient relationships, cultivated my strong interest in medicine. Subsequently, I decided to become involved in a number of research studies at one of the largest cardiovascular health centers in Canada. One of our studies demonstrated a significant improvement in the quality of life for individuals who underwent an emerging procedure for a critical disease. These enriching experiences made it clear that providing value through direct clinical care and influential research would be best achieved through a career in medicine!
What are your goals after you complete residency? Where do you see yourself?
I will be starting a fellowship in cardiology after completing my training as a Chief Resident. Throughout my medical career, I hope to continue learning in an academic environment with ample opportunities to serve as a teacher, mentor, researcher, and advocate for healthcare provider wellness.
Why did you choose Yale IMed for your residency?
In addition to its commitment to academic excellence with the opportunity to work with outstanding faculty, Yale promotes a culture of collegiality that is unparalleled. Whether it is through sponsoring social events organized by our Resident and Fellow Senate or an annual House Staff Appreciation Week, Yale is dedicated to building a lifelong family which prioritizes collaboration and wellness. It was also an added bonus that I could live nearby my alma mater!
Describe your experience at Yale IMed in 3 words.
Enriching, engaging, and fulfilling.
What is your fondest memory at Yale thus far?
Dancing the night away with my co-residents at the Yale Solidarity Night event at the Peabody Museum of Natural History!
Who has had the greatest influence on you, and why?
My parents. They have always fully supported each of my endeavors. Whether I was in the classroom, on the tennis court, or in a field running sprints at dawn, they emphasized the importance of staying humble, respectful, and kind.
If you could say anything to your younger self, what would you say?
Stay present to the moment and enjoy each step of your journey!
What's a fun fact about you?
I have traveled to twenty-five countries. One of my most memorable trips was to Australia where I had the chance to skydive over the Gold Coast and scuba dive at the Great Barrier Reef!
What is one piece of advice you'd give someone who is applying for residency?
As important as it is for a program to recruit candidates who would match well with their institution, it is equally important for a candidate to find a program with an educational mission and resident culture in line with their own values. Take the time to speak with current residents, friends, and family about what is most important to you in a training opportunity. After doing so, figuring out which program would be your best match becomes easier!
What have been your biggest challenges and accomplishments since the beginning of the pandemic?
Similar to most institutions during these times, one of the biggest challenges our residency family has had to face has been ensuring our collective wellness. We have been so fortunate to have our residents, faculty, and staff deeply invested in creating successful initiatives focused on addressing this concern. In addition to participating in the design of these projects and providing patient care, one of my proudest accomplishments since the beginning of the pandemic has been serving as a mentor to our residents. Having a colleague mention that they achieved a personal or professional milestone as a result of guidance you had provided is a feeling like no other!
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