Meet Leah Schecter from Ormond Beach, FL. She attended University of Maryland School of Medicine, and is a PGY-2 in the Primary Care Residency Program.
What led you to pursue a career in medicine?
I think what led me to pursue a career in medicine was realizing humanism, the arts, and storytelling are fundamental parts of the practice of medicine. The privilege of sharing moments with patients during challenging times and being able to help them through these moments, reach their goals, or improve their lives in some way, captivated and motivated me.
What are your goals after you complete residency? Where do you see yourself?
While I am still deciding my post-residency plans, I hope to provide care to a diverse patient population, a significant portion of which will hopefully be Spanish speaking! Caring for older patients and a geriatric population is also a particular interest of mine. Wherever I am, I also hope to have a strong connection with the community I serve and be actively engaged in working to improve health equity in my community.
Why did you choose Yale IMed for your residency?
I remember leaving my interview day feeling inspired. I felt that Yale was a place where primary care was truly valued, social justice actively pursued, and resident well being prioritized. YPC really felt like a supportive family, and I left that day feeling like I could thrive here.
Describe your experience at Yale IMed in 3 words.
Demanding, transformative, supportive.
What is your fondest memory at Yale thus far?
It's a tie between afternoon walks on days off with my wonderful co-residents, the various iterations of Medicine and the Arts (a multi-media talent show put on by YPC residents), and a few particularly meaningful moments with patients and their families. Oops, that's a few too many fond memories!
Who has had the greatest influence on you, and why?
My family. I can't thank my parents and my sister enough for their support and for the examples they set.
If you could say anything to your younger self, what would you say?
Trust that in pursuing your passions you'll find your way—you don't have to have it all figured out from the start.
What's a fun fact about you?
I love to draw and paint! In medical school I started drawing more anatomy-inspired pieces, and I've been able to continue making art while in residency.
What is one piece of advice you'd give someone who is applying for residency?
A piece of advice someone gave me is one I'd pass along: schedules and rotations change. Choose a program for the people, the values, and where you can see yourself finding happiness.
What have been your biggest challenges and accomplishments since the beginning of the pandemic?
I think some of the biggest challenges and accomplishments for me have been around finding ways to feel close to family and friends who are far away.
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.