Meet the Resident: Nicole Nester, DO

Get to know Nicole Nester, DO

Career goal: Cardiology

“As a lifelong resident of the Lehigh Valley, I feel especially grateful to train here. I care deeply about this community and look forward to continuing to serve it after completing my residency.”

What makes your LVHN training program different from others across the country? 

LVHN’s Internal Medicine Residency is unique in that it fosters a genuine sense of interconnectedness and community while maintaining an environment that promotes academic excellence. We have the privilege of caring for a uniquely diverse patient population, which allows for continuous growth through our daily clinical experiences.   

What has been an extraordinary part of your training experience so far? 

The most extraordinary aspect of my training has been the early level of trust placed in us to take on a central role in patient care. As a first-year internal medicine resident, you are often the face of the patient’s care team, which is both challenging and incredibly rewarding. What makes that experience here special is the level of trust our senior residents place in us; they give us the space to grow and make decisions but are always there to support us whenever we need it. That same culture extends to our faculty and leadership, who are deeply invested in our well-being and our future goals. They take the time to get to know us, actively support our fellowship aspirations and go out of their way to help us succeed, both during residency and beyond. 

What is one memory you have from your training so far that will stick with you for your career? 

One moment that stands out involved a patient I encouraged to remain hospitalized for two additional days to undergo an upper endoscopy because of concern for a possible malignancy. Although the patient and family were initially frustrated by the delay, they ultimately agreed to proceed. The endoscopy revealed esophageal adenocarcinoma with liver metastases. When I shared the results, the patient and family expressed gratitude, recognizing the importance of completing the evaluation. The patient has since established care with our hematology and oncology team and has begun treatment. This experience reinforced for me that my responsibility is to ensure patients receive the best possible care, allowing them to move forward without uncertainty or regret.

What is one piece of advice you would share with someone as they select a training program? 

Focus on finding a program that aligns with your personality, values and future aspirations. Pay close attention to the culture – are residents supported and do they seem genuinely happy? The environment you train in shapes not only your clinical skills but also your well-being and the kind of physician you become. This is how I knew LVHN was the right place for me.

What does it mean to be a resident at LVHN? 

Being a resident at LVHN means being part of a team that values growth, collaboration and compassion. It means being challenged to become a skilled, thoughtful physician while being supported by peers and faculty who are truly invested in your success. The program emphasizes both autonomy and responsibility in patient care. As a lifelong resident of the Lehigh Valley, I feel especially grateful to train here. I care deeply about this community and look forward to continuing to serve it after completing my residency.