Insight into Internal Medicine: Reflections from MU-WCOM Alumni, Part 1

Specialization in Internal Medicine (IM) allows physicians to practice in a primary care setting and see a variety of clinical presentations. Because of the vast spectrum of avenues and patient populations that an IM physician can work with, I spoke with alumni from the Marian University Tom and Julie Wood College of Osteopathic Medicine (MU-WCOM) to see what led them down their paths to IM. My purpose in interviewing Arielle Coy, DO '24, Alexander Dile, DO '23, and Nicole Kang, DO '24, is to help introduce the field of Internal Medicine to curious medical students.

What made you interested in Internal Medicine?

Dr. Coy: "The variety of pathology, the problem solving, the teamwork, and the several fellowship trajectories."

Dr. Dile: "I was drawn to Internal Medicine because I found that learning and understanding the pathophysiology of a multitude of disease states was exciting and challenging. But oftentimes, it is not enough just to know how to diagnose and treat someone. Often, the social challenges patients face are as difficult to overcome as the medical ones. Finding a solution is not always straightforward, which is why connecting with patients and mastering the art of medicine is so important."

Dr. Kang: "I chose Internal Medicine to be able to connect with patients and find an actual solution to their problems. Additionally, being able to provide comfort and support to my patients when they are uncertain can make them feel much more recognized as an individual." 

What drew you to your specific residency program?

Dr. Coy: "I knew I wanted a community-based level-1 trauma center with high patient volume. I met and interacted with the clinical educators and program directors on clinical rotations and was entirely sold on the educational experience."

Dr. Dile: "I chose Cincinnati because of the program’s emphasis on evidence-based resident learning and patient-centered medicine. I believe the focus on medical education and embracing a growth mindset are crucial in developing a well-rounded and trained internal medicine physician."

Dr. Kang: "I chose my program because it is composed of half DO students and half MD students, which provides a unique and equal perspective. I am also interested in applying for a fellowship, so I wanted a competitive residency program that would make me stand out."

How do you establish continuity of care with your patients?

Dr. Coy: "Continuity is developed primarily in the outpatient setting. Seeing my patients in the primary care clinic allows me to develop meaningful relationships through recurring preventative visits. My clinic patients trust me to educate them on best medical practices, and together, we make shared decisions on how to optimize their health."

Dr. Dile: "Our program is unique in that we have an extended period of time working as an outpatient Primary Care Provider (PCP). This allows us the opportunity to care for patients in the hospital, but then also schedule them in your clinic to be able to follow them longitudinally. This has led to better patient-physician relationships and, as a result, makes your patients feel heard and appreciated. Plus, it allows you to better tailor and individualize your treatment recommendations based on the person you have gotten to know more closely."

Dr. Kang: "We have an outpatient clinic where each resident gets to see a panel of patients. These people may come to the clinic as a referral from the hospital or just through finding a primary care physician. As residents, we can follow up with them as their regular PCP." 

Summary

Medical residents are drawn to Internal Medicine for a variety of reasons, which shows how the specialty cares for a broad range of patients. From the passion to pursue IM, to choosing a residency location, and establishing continuity of care, residents spoke of the field as being rewarding and exciting. Check out the next post in this series next Monday for more insight into Internal Medicine.

About the Author

Kylie DeVlaminck is a second-year osteopathic medical student at the Marian University Tom and Julie Wood College of Osteopathic Medicine with an interest in pursuing internal medicine post-graduation. Her interests lie in preventative medicine, improving access to healthcare, and mentorship within medicine. Outside of school, she enjoys exercising, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.