Meet Deborah Oyeyemi from Sacramento, CA. She attended Duke University School of Medicine and is a PGY-3 in the Primary Care Internal Medicine Residency Program.
What led you to pursue a career in medicine?![]()
It all started with my mom, who became a psychologist when I was young and ignited my passion for mental health. I thought I would be a psychiatrist, but ultimately decided to pursue medicine after my clinical year (MS2 at Duke) due to some impactful clinical rotations and great mentorship within the department of medicine there. Ultimately, my love for interdisciplinary patient care and pathophysiology led me to choose internal medicine. And despite not pursuing psychiatry, I still try to bring many aspects of mindfulness and wellbeing into my clinical practice.
What are your goals after you complete residency? Where do you see yourself?
I am interested in geriatrics, and will be applying for fellowship in the fall. Location to be decided, but I am looking at major academic institutions so that I can continue my dementia research.
Why did you choose Yale IMed for your residency?
For many reasons! I attended Yale as an undergraduate so I have a real soft spot for New Haven. And since interviewing for the residency program, I have not been disappointed. The people here are great. My co-residents are down to earth and program leadership is incredibly supportive. I have also been given a lot of freedom to pursue my various interests, from clinical research to community engagement to diversity, equity and inclusion work.
Describe your experience at Yale IMed in 3 words.
Honest, collaborative, fulfilling.
What is your fondest memory at Yale thus far?
Going on a beach trip in Rhode Island with a few of my co-residents.
Who has had the greatest influence on you, and why?
My parents—they are both incredibly hardworking and have supported me at every turn. I would not be where I am today without their courage and strength.
If you could say anything to your younger self, what would you say?
Keep doing what you're doing—no regrets.
What is one piece of advice you'd give someone who is applying for residency?
Applying to residency is more about you finding the program that fits your specific needs, whatever they may be.
What have been your biggest challenges and accomplishments since the beginning of the pandemic?
The biggest challenge was not being able to interact as much with my co-residents as I would like. However, I will say that one of my greatest accomplishments is still managing to develop real friendships outside of work despite the pandemic.
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.