A Welcome From the Chief Residents

Welcome to the University of Cincinnati! As chief residents of the internal medicine program, we are thrilled that you are considering joining our UC family. We encourage you to explore this website, as well as our resident-run site The Silver Fridge, to learn more about life as an internal medicine resident at UC. We all loved our time as residents at UC so much that we decided to stay another year as chiefs! These are (some of) our favorite things about the program:

Sam Chen M.D.  UC IM is special in its utter and deep dedication to medical education and intern learning, taking on innovative forms like Academic Half Day and using powerful tools like ResDash that you won’t find anywhere else. The unique blend of highly diverse, complex, high-acuity yet often under-resourced patients creates a high-stakes, high-impact training environment that prepares us for anything. I loved how resident and chief-driven our program is as well, constantly responding to feedback and empowering residents to create a more just, inclusive, nurturing environment where the focus is only ever on growth, never shame. Most importantly, our program has the absolute best people with the absolute best vibes - supportive, collaborative, and fun  - it’s a family always down to hang out after a long day, holding each other up in any heavy circumstance, forming resilient bonds that will last a lifetime. From co-residents to fellows to faculty, the people of this wonderful community are the beating heart of our program and make it feel like home.

Ellen Jochum M.D. I was drawn to UC on my interview day because, even through a virtual happy hour, the bright, joyful spirit and collegiality were evident. I was happy to learn in my three years here that that initial virtual impression was genuine. UC cultivates a supportive, friendly community where residents love to spend time together both inside and outside of the hospital. Part of what contributes to this incredible atmosphere is this program’s dedication to growth mindset, where we can all grow together without fear or shame. Furthermore, UC is a true powerhouse of MedEd innovation. I feel beyond lucky that I was able to experience residency here, with incredible mentors and co-residents, who are now some of my closest friends.

Tom Lawler M.D. Growing up just over the river in Northern Kentucky, Cincinnati has always felt like home. Choosing to train at UC and now serving as a chief resident is a natural extension of that connection. UC is a place where collaboration, growth mindset, and a deep commitment to medical education are woven into the fabric of our program. I’ve been fortunate to learn from incredible educators and colleagues who prioritize both clinical excellence and personal growth. As chief, I’m honored to help shape the educational experience for our residents, foster a supportive and inclusive environment, and give back to the program that has given me so much.

Audrey McCartney M.D. The quality of community, education, and mentorship I received at UC was instrumental in my growth as a physician.  Serving as chief allows me to support current residents, foster a collaborative learning environment, and help drive ongoing improvements that will benefit future trainees and patients alike. I will forever be grateful for the training I received at UC and continue to be grateful that I have an ongoing role in advancement of both the residency program and the hospital.

Alex Schoenberger M.D. Learning and growing as a physician, advocate, and person in Cincinnati has far surpassed everything I had hoped for when choosing a residency program. The mentorship I have found within Med-Peds and across our categorical programs has been invaluable, allowing me to pursue my passions and interests in ways that will undoubtedly shape the remainder of my career. This foundation of support naturally extends to our patient care philosophy; our program and all those associated with it take pride in providing exemplary, evidence-based, holistic care to all patients. Every day I'm inspired by colleagues who change lives through the way they care for people. Serving as chief has given me an incredible opportunity to continue supporting this amazing work that our residents do every single day, ensuring that our culture of compassion continues to thrive.

Hannah VanDusen M.D. I am proud to be at UC for residency and now for chief year. UC is a community of kind, compassionate, chill yet hard working people. The people that were strangers on day one of residency are now some of my best friends, and this city where I knew nobody, now feels like home. It was a priority of mine to be a part of a program where I knew I would be well supported while learning to provide excellent care for patients: through faculty mentorship, an emphasis on growth mindset, and a structured didactic and clinical educational curriculum, this has certainly been true of my experience at UC. The fulfillment and joy of this experience have been unparalleled, and I would choose UC all over again for residency in a heartbeat.