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: 

Verda Arshad: My two favorite things about UC are the people and how everyone embraces the growth mindset. My co-residents became some of my best friends and helped me feel at home after I moved from Pakistan to Ohio for residency. Growth mindset changed my approach towards work, and life in general. Now, every time I don’t know the answer, I identify it as an area of growth and work on it. 

JT Barnes: UC’s internal medicine program is incredibly collaborative, whether it is group-learning during academic half day or simply co-residents helping with an admission when things get busy. I can honestly say that I enjoyed coming to work each day, largely because my co-residents became some of my closest friends. Our faculty is also amazing, and they go above and beyond to create a safe learning environment for residents and foster our growth as physicians. 

Ginny Russell: I truly loved my experience as a resident at UC! I was initially drawn to the program because of its strong emphasis on medical education, and I continue to be amazed by everyone’s commitment to resident learning. The people here are incredible and approach problems in a thoughtful, intentional, and empathetic way, which is such an inspiring atmosphere to train in. Finally, the clinical training I received here has more than prepared me for life post-residency and am so grateful for how much the program helped me grow personally and professionally. 

Drake Seccurro: UC radiates immaculate vibes that create an atmosphere where collaboration thrives. There is an incredibly supportive community here where residents and faculty uplift one another. I find myself often saying how shocked I was to develop lifelong friendships with multiple people from not only the Internal Medicine residency program, but also with preliminary interns and the various departments at UC. Moreover, the clinical training and the patients we have the privilege to serve prepare us for any post-residency setting.

Kait Snapp: I love UC because of its genuine and supportive environment, where colleagues and mentors truly care for one another. The program fosters a growth mindset, encouraging continuous learning and development through hands-on experiences and constructive feedback. Additionally, we have the privilege of treating diverse populations with high-acuity conditions, and we take pride in serving the greater Cincinnati area with dedication and compassion. As a resident, I quickly learned that it's the people—both colleagues and the community—who truly make a difference on the long days. The warmth, kindness, and resilience at the heart of UC make this place feel like home. 

 

Stephanie Thomas: After exposure to UC internal medicine’s dedication to medical education, I just knew that Cincinnati was the place that I wanted to stay for residency. From the love of growth mindset, to innovative academic half-day, to our amazing patient population, I have gained so much knowledge and skill that have made me the physician I am today. The people are top notch and create such a collaborative, loving, supportive culture. I am so excited for you all to learn more about what makes our program the Med Ed powerhouse that it is. 

Austin VonAxelson: My journey with UC has been nothing short of inspiring, shaped by remarkable patients, dedicated colleagues, and visionary leadership. What initially drew me to UC was the opportunity to learn from world-renowned medical educators, alongside a commitment to patient-centered care and a relentless pursuit of innovation. But what I found was even more profound—a community of passionate individuals who shared an unwavering dedication to improving lives. Cincinnati, with its rich diversity, genuine warmth, and vibrant culture, has been the perfect backdrop for this incredible experience. I am truly honored to have been part of UC Internal Medicine, and without hesitation, I would choose this path again. I leave not just with fond memories, but with a new family. I hope we get the chance to share with you what makes UC special.