How friendly everyone is and how willing senior residents will help you. Numerous times seniors have come to find me in the ED to see if I need anything or just stopped to make sure I was fine and to say hello. In addition, the people in Pittsburgh are friendly, that includes the attendings we work with as well.
- Matt Lovell, MD
About Me
Hometown: Akron, Ohio
College/University: University of Rochester
Medical School: Wright State Boonshoft School of Medicine
College/University: University of Rochester
Medical School: Wright State Boonshoft School of Medicine
What are your career goals?
Critical Care Flight Physician/EMS Medical Director
What did you do the summer before internship?
Got married (she's probably cooler than me), went on an amazing honeymoon to the Maldives (10/10 recommend).
What do you like to do outside of medicine?
Anything outside- I fit a lot of the EM stereotypes. Love to mountain bike, hike, run, bike, cook, try new restaurants and breweries, hang with my co-residents, and travel.
Reflections on the Pitt EM Program
What were you looking for in a residency program?
A combination between an academic program with community hands on feel. I really wanted a program that trained me to be a hands on physician, that was well prepared to work in changing environments, and set me up for a path into fellowship or community practice. Balance was also important, working just to work is a waste. I wanted a program that had time for clinical experiences but also valued resident wellness without the expense of not seeing enough or not getting enough procedures and I felt that UPMC struck a really good balance. In addition, how I felt interacting with the residents and how they interacted as a group was important, I wanted to be close to my co-residents.
What are the strengths of the Pitt EM program?
Varied clinical sites (!)
A lot of ICU rotations, above average in number and quality
Incredible prehospital experience-Flying with Stat medevac, Jeep Shifts, med command, event coverage
Great faculty- clinically and personally
A lot of ICU rotations, above average in number and quality
Incredible prehospital experience-Flying with Stat medevac, Jeep Shifts, med command, event coverage
Great faculty- clinically and personally
Tell us about your residency classmates! How long did it take to connect?
I think it took a few minutes, if that. Everyone has a diverse background and they are all easy to get along with on and off shift. I really don't mind "going into work" since they are so fun to work with. They are also really bright, I learn something from them everyday. We also get together at least weekly even if it is a quick trip to the dog park, a brewery, mountain biking, at a restaurant, hanging at one of our places, or post shift food/drinks.
What is one thing that surprised you about Pitt/UPMC?
How friendly everyone is and how willing senior residents will help you. Numerous times seniors have come to find me in the ED to see if I need anything or just stopped to make sure I was fine and to say hello. In addition, the people in Pittsburgh are friendly, that includes the attendings we work with as well.
About Pitt EM and Pittsburgh
What do you like best about living in Pittsburgh/Western PA?
The scenery and variety of activities there are. Everything you could want outdoors is within an hour, and most closer. There is skiing, white water, hiking, swimming, mountain biking, running/biking trails all close by, but there is also big city amenities within 15 minutes of all the hospitals and places the residents live. Is it NYC? No, but it is a really solid balance of pretty much everything.
Where did you choose to live, and why?
Mt. Washington. My wife and I were looking for something close to everything but with a more neighborhood feel. There was also a house on the market that fit our needs.
Based on your experiences, what advice would you give to incoming applicants about moving to the 'Burgh?
Things move fast, plan ahead! Reach out to the other residents, I was nervous to and should have more in the process. I am happy to answer questions and find out the answer if I don't know them. Honestly though, reach out, we have been there and can alleviate some of the hustle of moving, starting residency, and being a dr.
