Life of a Resident - Andrew Mazzone, MD

PGY-3 Urology Resident (Resident 2017-2022)

Why come to the University of Utah? I asked myself that question 4 years ago as a medical student visiting Salt Lake City for my sub-internship. As a California native, I was looking for excellent clinical and surgical training, but also wanted to enjoy where I lived when I wasn’t at work. With mountain bike/running trails literally behind campus, world-class skiing throughout the Wasatch, and an amazing hospital system, faculty, and mentorship – I found what I was looking for.

As a PGY3 - my role is still that of a “junior” resident, but continues to become more enjoyable and rewarding with each passing rotation. You can really start to build upon the medical and surgical foundation established in previous years, and look ahead at the added responsibility of PGY4 and 5. It’s also the time to define future career goals and decide whether a fellowship, private practice, or academics is the right path for you. It’s daunting and exciting, but it feels like the first time we have any control over our career (unlike medical school).

I’m currently rotating through the Intermountain Health Care (IHC) rotation – working with private practice physicians at two of the other local hospitals in Salt Lake City. It’s a great operative experience where we have the opportunity to take ownership of general urology cases. This unique rotation also provides the chance to see how physicians outside of our core faculty structure their days and balance clinical duties.