Meet Anna Qian, from Vancouver, Canada. She attended Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, and is a PGY-1 in the Traditional Internal Medicine Residency Program.
What led you to pursue a career in medicine?
Before we immigrated to Canada, my father was a neurosurgeon in China. After we immigrated he didn't do any more surgery, but he did tell many, many stories and he's a great storyteller. That sparked my interest in medicine at a very young age, and somehow the dream never faded!
What are your goals after you complete residency? Where do you see yourself?
I hope to specialize in a yet-uncertain area—possibly nephrology or hepatology—though it’s still early in residency and I’ve yet to explore other fields! I also hope to be involved in global (and local; global is local) health systems and development work.
Why did you choose Yale IMed for your residency?
I left interview day with a great impression—all the residents I met were very kind and welcoming, and most importantly, the residents all seemed excited to see each other and the overall ambiance was a very friendly and supportive one. I knew I wanted to be at a program where I would be friends with my co-residents, and I saw that at Yale. Furthermore, the program also clearly supported the residents, academically and also personally, and Dr. Siegel was also a calming and approachable presence on interview day. In addition to a supportive environment, the program also has no shortage of academic and clinical opportunities and challenges, and previous graduates had matched well in many specialties. All in all, I thought that Yale would be a place where I would "find my people" and be supported as I learn and grow into the clinician I want to be—and I was right!
Describe your experience at Yale IMed in 3 words.
Support, challenge, growth.
What is your fondest memory at Yale thus far?
Playing tennis with my co-interns!
Who has had the greatest influence on you, and why?
My parents, who have always given me unwavering love and support. My father, who is witty, creative, and my inspiration to become a doctor, and my mother, who is patient, a great listener, and composed even under great duress.
If you could say anything to your younger self, what would you say?
Believe in yourself and be kinder to yourself!
What's a fun fact about you?
I have a cat named Qian Duo Duo, which in Chinese means ‘lots of money.’
What is one piece of advice you'd give someone who is applying for residency?
Talk to the residents, observe how they interact with each other, and see if you can see yourself fitting in well within that group.
What have been your biggest challenges and accomplishments since the beginning of the pandemic?
Accomplishment - staying sane and being a source of support for my socially-distanced friends and family. Challenge - staying sane and being a source of support for my socially-distanced friends and family.
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.