Each site has a completely different vibe, which lets you learn what sort of system you like and what kind of system you’d want to work at in the future.
- Alek Keller, MD
About Me
Hometown: South Williamsport, PA
College/University: University of Pittsburgh
Medical School: University of Pittsburgh
College/University: University of Pittsburgh
Medical School: University of Pittsburgh
What are your career goals?
Split time between academic and community systems while also serving as medical director for a small EMS service.
What did you do the summer before internship?
Made lots of baked goods in quarantine!
What do you like to do outside of medicine?
Skiing, hiking, biking (I know, very atypical for EM residents)
Reflections on the Pitt EM Program
What were you looking for in a residency program?
A wide variety of patient pathology/clinical sites within close proximity to family/friends.
What are the strengths of the Pitt EM program?
Tons of prehospital exposure and residents that are always willing to help out their peers.
Tell us about your residency classmates! How long did it take to connect?
Not long! Even with a lot of the early social events being cancelled, everyone made a point to say hi and chat, even on a busy shift.
What has surprised you most about Pitt?
Each site has a completely different vibe, which lets you learn what sort of system you like and what kind of system you’d want to work at in the future.
About Pitt EM and Pittsburgh
What do you like best about living in Pittsburgh/Western PA?
You have all of the perks of a big city but can very quickly get to a more rural setting.
Where did you choose to live, and why?
South side. It’s walkable, has night life, easy access to the river trails, and easy access to both my work and my fiancée’s work.
What advice would you give to incoming residents about moving to the 'Burgh?
Paying for guaranteed parking at your house/apartment is worth it.