Hamza Raja

MD
he/him
PGY-3

About Me

Hometown: Baltimore, MD
College/University: University of Maryland, College Park 
Medical School: Howard University 
 
What are your career goals?
Sports medicine - a split of EM and sports medicine specifically!
 
What did you do the summer before internship?
Binge Netflix and eat lots of unhealthy food 
 
What do you like to do outside of medicine? 
Sports (die hard Baltimore Ravens and Washington Wizards fan), trying new foods, hanging out with family and friends 
 

Reflections on the Pitt EM Program

What were you looking for in a residency program? 
I was looking for a residency program that had aspects of all parts of EM (academics, community and county), as well as ample opportunities to get involved with teaching. 
 
What are the strengths of the Pitt EM program? 
It's like a family environment from the top down. Faculty are incredibly supportive and approachable. And my coresidents are awesome. 
 
Tell us about your residency classmates! How long did it take to connect?
We connected before we even moved in. Great people to be around!
 
What has surprised you most about Pitt?
How down to earth everyone is here. Some of the best and biggest names in EM are so invested in your education and learning to know you as person.
 

About Pitt EM and Pittsburgh

What do you like best about living in Pittsburgh/Western PA?
A lot of cool mom and pop shops to check out with delicious food
 
Where did you choose to live, and why?
Lawrenceville, young professional scene with a lot of cool restaurants nearby 
 
What advice would you give to incoming residents about moving to the 'Burgh? 
Get ready to work hard but to have a family guiding you through the process and cool people to hang around