Why did you choose medicine?
I chose medicine because it represented the best way to bring together my passion for science, service, and human connection. Growing up in Cameroon and later moving to the U.S., I was exposed to both the inequities in access to health care and the transformative power it can have on individuals and families. Those early observations planted the seed that medicine could be more than a profession; it could be a way of standing alongside people in their most vulnerable moments by offering both knowledge and compassion. My medical training across Europe, and the U.S. has deepened this perspective, showing me that while systems differ, the universal need for dignity, healing, and advocacy in health care remains the same.
Why did you choose Yale Internal Medicine for your fellowship?
My path has been shaped by diverse experiences across continents and care settings. After completing a degree in chemistry, I attended medical school in Kraków, Poland. Along the way, I volunteered in Kraków with individuals experiencing homelessness, supporting them with food, housing, and health care navigation, an experience that profoundly influenced how I see the physician’s role beyond the clinic. In residency at Stamford Hospital in Connecticut, I honed my skills in internal medicine, often caring for patients with complex medical and substance use challenges. Each step, from global health work to internal medicine training to community outreach, reinforced my commitment to addressing not just illness, but the broader social and structural issues tied to health. These experiences naturally led me to Yale, where I could integrate all of these perspectives within addiction medicine.
I chose Yale Addiction Medicine because it is a program that embodies both excellence and humanity. The fellowship combines cutting-edge clinical care with public health, advocacy, and research, offering a holistic approach to treating substance use disorders. I wanted to be part of a community that is unafraid to tackle stigma, committed to equity, and dedicated to transforming how addiction is understood and treated. Yale’s strong mentorship culture and its collaborative environment have already challenged me to grow, while reinforcing my belief that medicine is not just about managing diseases, but about building systems of care that truly meet patients where they are.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10?
My career goals center on building a practice that is both patient-centered and systems-oriented. I want to continue providing direct care to patients with substance use disorders while also working to expand access to treatment, reduce stigma, and improve health outcomes on a broader scale. Whether through clinical innovation, teaching the next generation of physicians, or contributing to health policy and quality improvement, my aim is to create pathways that make care more equitable and compassionate. I see myself bridging multiple worlds: clinical care, advocacy, and mentorship, and I am committed to ensuring that my work leaves a lasting impact not only on individual patients but also on the systems that serve them.
Perks of living in New Haven?
Living in New Haven offers the best of both worlds: a vibrant, diverse city with a strong sense of community, and easy access to nature and the outdoors. I love that I can spend a morning exploring local coffee shops and restaurants, and by the afternoon be hiking, at the beach, or even taking a quick trip to nearby cities like New York or Boston. Connecticut has a rich mix of culture, history, and natural beauty, which makes it a great place to live, learn, and recharge outside of work.