Meet William McDonald, from Atlanta, GA. He attended Emory School of Medicine, and is a PGY-3 in the Primary Care Residency Program.
What led you to pursue a career in medicine?
William McDonald
My father was a physician and medicine was a career I was interested in at an early age. My passion for medicine was solidified after working with older adults, a population where minor medical changes can lead to significant improvement in their quality of life. I get so much joy from hearing their stories, meeting their families, and being there for them.
What are your goals after you complete residency? Where do you see yourself?
I want to head back to Atlanta and give back to the city that developed my passion for medicine. I'll be focusing on the older adult population of the city and try to develop innovative ideas for sustainable home based primary care.
Why did you choose Yale IMed for your residency?
My partner Kate and I sent out applications to primary care programs all over the country, but Yale Primary Care rose above the rest. Their commitment to community building and the biopsychosocial model opened a window into patient care that many other programs did not offer.
Describe your experience at Yale IMed in 3 words.
Growth through adversity.
What is your fondest memory at Yale thus far?
Sitting at the bedside with patients near the end of their lives and feeling a bond with them that goes beyond medicine.
Who has had the greatest influence on you, and why?
Dr. Steve Atlas, he brings a true joy to medicine and has been an excellent mentor.
If you could say anything to your younger self, what would you say?
It was worth it!
What's a fun fact about you?
My last name is McDonald but I'm mostly French.
What is one piece of advice you'd give someone who is applying for residency?
It can be tough to stay in touch with loved ones with how busy you will become but down the road those connections will be essential to your success!
What have been your biggest challenges and accomplishments since the beginning of the pandemic?
Not being able to see friends outside of work.
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.