Hi, I am Yulia (Julia)! I grew up in the Altai region of Russia, which is a beautiful forested region in southern Siberia. Since I was 6 years old, I dreamed of being a doctor. I didn’t waste any time and began my training in high school, taking college-level medical classes. I went on to finish college with a nurse/midwifery degree when I was 18. I relished my newfound independence, and my passion for medicine was a constant inspiration.

After training as a midwife, I finished Russia’s six-year medical school program in Altai and moved to the U.S. to train at Sacred Heart Hospital in Allentown. There I was introduced to geriatric medicine through the passionate and inspirational geriatricians in my program. This coincided with becoming a caregiver for my aging mother, and I decided that I wanted to be a geriatrician as well. I realized this field embodied a different philosophy of medicine and required a more holistic, empathetic and compassionate approach. I love all my patients and especially enjoy listening to their life experiences, stories and wisdom.    

Since 2018, I’ve worked for Lehigh Valley Heath Network in Schuylkill County, where I met many wonderful colleagues. I am excited to be trained at this young and already well-reputed program.