Thomas Conlon, MD

Email: conlontw@upmc.edu

Hometown:

Chicago, IL

Education:

Cornell University, BA

University of Pittsburgh, MD

Career Plans:

Pediatric cardiology vs. rural hospitalist. Two ends of the spectrum, though I can't see much wrong with either one of them. Transitional medicine is an area I'm eager to explore, especially within the world of cardiology.

Reasons for choosing UPMC:

I came to medical school here without a tie anywhere to the Pittsburgh area, and I now consider myself a surrogate yinzer. I have lived in numerous cities and find that Pittsburgh offers all the dynamics of a large city with that home-grown midwest feel that I like. It's a big town where folks simply look after each other, and this goes for both outside as well as inside the walls of the hospital. As for the medical system, UPMC really is the only show in town, and the range of clinical experiences, from tertiary care to community, is tough to match both within the world of pediatrics as well as internal medicine. And I haven't even begun to talk about the flyfishing around the region....

Lynn Malec, MD

Email: malecl@upmc.edu

Hometown:

Madison, WI

Education:

College: University of Wisconsin

Medical School: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health

Career plans:

Although I'm not totally decided on my future plans, I will likely practice in a primary care setting. I'm very interested in international health and hope to incorporate volunteer work in third world countries like Haiti into my career.

Why UPMC:

The combination of high caliber pediatrics and internal medicine training as well as strong med/peds identity drew me to the program at Pittsburgh. I was impressed by the faculty's commitment to resident education and knew that Pittsburgh would afford me many opportunities and provide exceptional training. The med/peds residents are well integrated into both categorical programs while having strong leadership in the program director, Dr. Kolarik, and med/peds chief. What struck me perhaps most about Pittsburgh was that the residents are bright, hard-working, and happy to be a part of the program. I have been thoroughly impressed thus far with what Pittsburgh has to offer both in terms of the residency program and the city itself.

Dan McFarlane, MD

Email: mcfarlaned@upmc.edu

Hometown:

Born in Pittsburgh , but raised in the 'Nati, I have lived in Cincinnati, OH since I was 2.

Education:

Undergrad: The Ohio State University, Major: Pharmaceutical Science

Med School: University of Cincinnati COM

Career plans:

I'm interested in several facets of Med-Peds, first I really like transitional care medicine, that is taking care of patients with childhood diseases as they become adults. However, I'm also interested in education of medical students and residents and am very interested in working for a medical school as a curriculum director, clerkship director or residency director.

Why UPMC:

To be honest, I just had a good feeling. Things I liked about UPMC are the strong balance between the programs, they have an excellent peds program, but also an excellent medicine program, that is rare in institutions, usually they are good at one or the other. I also like UPMC because they have a Med-Peds clinician educator fellowship. This gives me exposure to Med-Peds trained faculty who are also interested in education and curriculum and adult education. I'm not sure I'll do the fellowship, but it is definitely a consideration and it is great that it is in my backyard. I also had a good feeling because the residents I met seemed to be nice, well rounded and, more importantly.social. I also have some family ties to the area, which is a big help. I never thought I'd live in Pitt, but I like it, it is a great city, I was pretty surprised. Also, for those coming from a big city, it has a very affordable housing market too!!

Simi Padival, MD

Email: padivals2@upmc.edu

Hometown:

Mansfield, Ohio

Education:

Miami University, Interdisciplinary Studies, Oxford, Ohio

Case Western Reserve University SOM, Cleveland, Ohio

Career plans:

I don't know what I want to do exactly, but I am interested in both international health as well as working with underserved populations in urban areas here in the U.S.

Why UPMC:

One of the things that drew me to UPMC's Med-Peds program was that it was a big institution with a lot of teaching, resources, and opportunities. There are people in several fields of medicine who are willing to help develop the goals that are specific to my interests. The residents here have been welcoming and I felt immediately that I was part of the program. At UPMC I have been encouraged to make decisions and to trust my own judgements and plans.

Pittsburgh may be a smaller sized city, but it has a lot to offer in the way of great restaurants, museums, and community activities. The city is very neighborhood oriented and has a lot of pride in it's communities. There is definitely something for everyone here whether it be a craving for ethnic foods, a good run in the park, or just hanging out with a few friends and enjoying a beer.