Michael Spiotto (University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine)
It would take a lot to make me leave my hometown… I was born in Chicago, I went to the University of Chicago for college, graduate school and medical school. I had everything I needed: I was at a great academic environment, I knew many great social spots and I could easily visit my family and friends. However, since my interview day, I have felt that coming Memorial Sloan Kettering was the best choice for my intern year.
Memorial enables me to further build upon my previous background and develop future interests in oncology. In graduate school, I studied the basic science behind the interactions of tumors with the host immune system. At Memorial, I am learning about clinical oncology from the people who have made seminal contributions to their fields. In addition, I have multiple other opportunities to learn evidence based management of cancer patients. Thus, I am gaining a great exposure to clinical oncology that will compliment my research interests in developing new cancer therapies.
Furthermore, I believe that these experiences will make me into a better cancer doctor. At Memorial, I am exposed to many different manifestations of caner and the complications of their treatments. Most of these patients have both complicated medical problems and are very sick. This is a great experience as I can learn from the attendings, nurses and staff who provide outstanding support and guidance in dealing with these patients. I probably would not have a similar experience in any other transitional or preliminary medicine year. Thus, these experiences will be unique and invaluable as I continue my residency in radiation oncology at Stanford University
On a lighter side, New York is a very convenient place to unwind at the end of the week. There are several Zagat rated restaurants all within blocks of my apartment. I can walk to Central Park or catch a movie at one of the several nearby movie theaters. I have seen many landmarks in New York that have become fond memories. In the end, my intern year is turning out to be an all around mind opening experience.