Pediatrician Monica Lancellotti, MD, Reflects on Her Jefferson Journey

Growing up, Monica Lancellotti, MD, spent her summer vacation from school learning alongside her dad, who is a pediatrician. That childhood dream of following in her father’s footsteps would come to fruition years later, with the support of her family, mentors and professors, and the invaluable training and education she received at Jefferson Medical College, now known as the Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University.

“I saw the joys firsthand of being a physician. By watching my dad in his career, I learned quickly that I wanted to become a doctor,” Dr. Lancellotti says.

What she remembers the most is how much her dad’s patients and their families loved coming to see him. That left an impression on her and set her on a path to shadow more physicians throughout high school and later attend Bucknell University to study biology.

After touring several medical schools, Dr. Lancellotti knew that Jefferson Medical College (now Sidney Kimmel Medical College) was the one. It was the history that initially drew her in. She admired the university’s strength as it was the first medical college in the United States to start a clinic and also known for its world-famous alumni. Dr. Lancellotti knew she’d have access to opportunities and resources unlike anywhere else.

“From the first steps of taking the Hippocratic Oath to our white coat ceremony, you really learn the great gift that you’re being given to go to this medical school but also the great responsibility carried with being a physician,” Dr. Lancellotti says.

She had a great experience in medical school and explored different specialties before deciding which one to pursue. General pediatrics always stood out to her the most because of the continuity of care and focus on preventive medicine. With family roots in pediatric care and her love of working with kids, it was a natural fit.

“I learned from well-known professors and physicians who were wonderful mentors. Jefferson did a great job ensuring I was ready to be a physician. They place great value on shaping young physicians into compassionate and well-trained individuals,” Dr. Lancellotti says.  

Attending Jefferson Medical College was special to Dr. Lancellotti for many reasons – from building relationships with patients and their families, learning from mentors and physicians she now calls friends, to even meeting her husband. One of her favorite memories was when they got to celebrate as a couple on Residency Match Day.

She was also the first in her family to graduate from an American medical college and complete her residency at Thomas Jefferson University (TJU).

As a proud alumna of TJU, Dr. Lancellotti is excited about what the LVHN-Jefferson combination means for LVHN doctors and our community.

A few years after graduation, Dr. Lancellotti and her family moved to the Lehigh Valley. Providing evidence-based medical care close to home was important to her, so she was grateful for the opportunity to work at Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) in pediatrics. For the last 10 years, she’s been a pediatrician with Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital and currently sees patients at LVPG Pediatrics–Macungie.  

“It’s very rewarding to see my career as a physician come full circle. It’s a great opportunity for LVHN to join forces with Jefferson,” Dr. Lancellotti says. “Jefferson is a strong health system with world-renowned physicians and specialists. This LVHN-Jefferson combination will help strengthen our specialty care and enhance education for LVHN doctors. Being part of Jefferson Health will allow us to provide better access and quality care for our community.”