Meet Diego Cabrera, MD, from Lima, Peru. He attended Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia and is a PGY-2 in the Yale-Waterbury Internal Medicine Program.
What led you to pursue a career in medicine?
One of my earliest encounters with medicine happened when I was just four years old, as I was rushed to the hospital critically ill with severe peritonitis from a ruptured appendix. Even more than 20 years later, I still vividly remember seeing my fellow post-surgical friends next to me and realizing how our lives depended on the people in white coats. I guess I set my sights on medicine from a very early age, driven by my curiosity about how the human body works and the significant contributions we can make to patients and communities in this field.
What are your goals after you complete internal medicine residency? Where do you see yourself?
I envision myself pursuing a career in academic medicine in rheumatology. My interest lies in the intersection of rheumatic and infectious diseases, and I have been researching rheumatic/musculoskeletal outcomes among people with HIV and COVID-19. I also aim to continue working in global health, addressing gaps in screening and treatment for musculoskeletal non-communicable diseases in low and middle income countries, such as Peru.
Why did you choose Yale Internal Medicine for your internal medicine residency?
I had the opportunity to interact with faculty and colleagues from the Department of Internal Medicine at Yale before internal medicine residency, while working in research with the Section of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology. I cannot emphasize enough how crucial the degree of mentorship I received was for me. I chose to stay because I wanted to continue growing in an academic environment with ample opportunities for research and clinical knowledge.
Describe your experience at Yale IMed in 3 words.
Meaningful, supportive, friendly.
What is your fondest memory at Yale thus far?
When one of my clinic patients told me how they enjoyed their clinic visits with me and the impact that I made on their lifestyle.
Who has had the greatest influence on you, and why?
My greatest influences have been my parents, who have provided unwavering support throughout my journey in medicine. Additionally, my mentor, Dr. Evelyn Hsieh, has been instrumental in my growth as a researcher during our almost five years of mentorship.
If you could say anything to your younger self, what would you say?
Enjoy each step of the journey but be patient with the process.
What's a fun fact about you?
Even though I am from Peru–a place known for delicious spicy food–I really cannot tolerate spicy dishes.
What is one piece of advice you'd give someone who is applying for internal medicine residency?
Seek out a program that not only fosters your professional growth as a clinician, but also nurtures your personal development. Consider the program's culture, the people involved, and the location as crucial factors. You will be there for at least three years, so it should be a place where you envision genuine happiness.
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 about the department, visit Internal Medicine.