Faculty & Current Fellows
TESTIMONIALS
Following completion of residency at the University of Utah, I knew that there was no shortage of patient volume or complexity at Primary Children's. As the main referral pediatric referral center for a large geographic region, we see both the common and infrequent. However, after visiting other programs during the fellowship application process, I realized the strengths of the University of Utah Pediatric Endocrinology Fellowship are truly the intangibles- the people, the collegial culture, and supportive relationships. Fellowship thus far has been an incredibly positive experience. I have felt welcomed and supported by faculty and staff alike. I have also been encouraged to explore my particular interests in transgender medicine and diabetes mellitus through connections made both inside and outside of the pediatric endocrinology department. Combined with all of the spectacular extracurriculars that Utah has to offer, choosing the University of Utah fellowship was an absolute no-brainer.
I started my training at the University of Oklahoma where I completed medical school, then went on to complete my pediatric residency training at the University of Utah/Primary Children’s Hospital. I was initially drawn to Utah due it’s excellent reputation in the area and well known standing as an exceptional academic institution (not to mention the wonderful outdoor life). During my time in residency, I grew to realize that the best asset of the University of Utah/Primary Children’s Hospital is the people. During my fellowship search, I explored many different places and couldn’t help but to keep coming back to this program here in Utah. The collegial atmosphere and welcoming environment is truly unparalleled. I immediately felt welcomed as part of the family and have felt nothing but support and comradery since starting my fellowship. The clinical training here is also outstanding. Being the only children’s hospital for all of Utah and many surrounding states, we see a wide breadth and number of pediatric endocrine pathologies. I feel that our program has nothing but positive things to offer to any prospective applicant looking for a fellowship program that provides both excellent clinical training and a supportive environment in which to start your career.
I came to the University of Utah for pediatrics residency and chose to stay for my fellowship in pediatric endocrinology. I’m so glad I did. Throughout fellowship I had ample clinical opportunities, dedicated time for research and teaching, and exceptional mentorship. University of Utah is a wonderful choice for trainees interested in clinical medicine. The children’s hospital is the only pediatric hospital in the state and provides care for children from Wyoming, parts of Nevada, Colorado, and Montana. Being a high volume tertiary care center allows trainees to care for children with both bread and butter endocrine disorders as well as rare disorders. There are also ample opportunities to collaborate with a variety of specialists through multidisciplinary clinics and joint conferences. At the same time, you will have the advantage of being a part of medium sized division where you will come to know all members of our division well, your input is truly valued, and there is a vested interest in your education and career development. Throughout my training I had numerous opportunities to sit down one on one with my preceptors and division chief to discuss challenging cases, develop research projects, and navigate my first job search. Finally, Salt Lake City is a wonderful place to live for whatever stage in life you are in. There are wonderful restaurants, easy to access theater, ballet, and professional sporting events, and world class recreation. Now that I have kids, we spend more time at the community centers, zoo/aviary, and low key bicycling and hiking in the foothills. I never thought I would end up in Utah, but now that I’m here I can’t imaging working anywhere else. The fellowship program encouraged me to pursue the Masters In Clinical investigation (MSCI) course through University of Utah which I was able to take advantage of. This additional opportunity is priceless. Lastly, Salt Lake City is the most beautiful place to live in with lots of restaurants, options for outdoor activity for family from biking, hiking, snowboarding to skiing which can keep you entertained all year round. Overall, I think our program is exceptional at several levels- including location, opportunities for learning, research, supportive faculty and staff. I consider myself lucky to have found this program and to have gained a support system of lifelong mentors and friends.