Baiju Patel, MD

Get to know Baiju Patel, MD, internal medicine resident.

Career goal: General academic medicine

“LVHN is a great place to learn and grow as a resident.”

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

Although the health network is not based out of a major city, the overall breadth of specialties and pathophysiology here is incredible. As someone interested in outpatient medicine, I appreciate having a dedicated week in the outpatient setting. Having a set weekend off during clinic week helps recharge for some of the busier weeks in the hospital.

So many aspects of this experience were meaningful to my training. We have geographical rounds, with all patients on one floor. This way, we get to know our colleagues, working closely with the specialists and other medical professionals. Although COVID has made it challenging at times, this is a great rotation to contrast with the standard hospital medicine services.

Lastly is our breadth of medical intensive care unit and cardiovascular intensive care unit services. I have thoroughly enjoyed these rotations despite not having an interest in these areas when I joined LVHN. Both rotations are challenging, but the growth that happens upon completion is incredible. Having the right autonomy and guidance even during the pandemic has made it a great learning experience.

What has been the most interesting part of your training experience so far?

LVHN offers typical internal medicine specialty electives and various other elective rotations. For example, I spent one week with our street medicine service. This was a great experience to see patients out on the street and being able to work with the team to observe the challenges the providers face and how they combat these challenges. Toxicology service has also been a great rotation. I have worked with our ED colleagues and learned a lot about alcohol and opiate use disorders along with interesting cases of various ingestions.

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

I would consider myself as an “outsider.” I completed medical school in Michigan and felt incredibly welcomed by my attendings and fellow colleagues when I started intern year. I am amazed by the leadership team’s interest in my career goals. They allowed me to schedule half-days with an attending physician in an outpatient setting because I was interested to learn more. I also am interested in point-of-care ultrasonography and attended an ultrasound course paid for completely by the residency program. This is the type of support you can expect in the residency programs at LVHN.

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

Get to know the program as much as possible – audition rotations, ask questions during interview season, visit the place as you will be spending the next three years here. This will be your new home. Looking back, I’m happy with the decision I made and incredibly glad that I did a rotation here as a student. Spending some time in the area played a role in me feeling this was the right fit.

What does it mean to be a resident at LVHN?

LVHN is a great place to learn and grow as a resident. I have a great support system with my fellow colleagues and the leadership team who encourage me on my journey.