One thing that I was looking for was to go to a residency where I would see a large variety in the type of patients while I was still in training. At Pitt, we get to see everything, from people with specialized conditions, like transplants, LVAD or cancer, to bread and butter conditions. Getting exposure to as much as possible while I still had back up was important. You never know what may walk into your local ER.
- Laura Congelio, MD
About Me
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
College/University: Washington University in St. Louis
Medical School: Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
College/University: Washington University in St. Louis
Medical School: Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
What are your career goals?
Still pending... but likely community EM attending
What did you do the summer before internship?
Quarantined and attempted to survive a pandemic!
What do you like to do outside of medicine?
Decompressing (and get overly stressed) by watching sports, spending time with my family, checking out new restaurants and breweries, and a slight obsession with peloton (the app, don't get that excited about a residency salary).
Reflections on the Pitt EM Program
What were you looking for in a residency program?
One thing that I was looking for was to go to a residency where I would see a large variety in the type of patients while I was still in training. At Pitt, we get to see everything, from people with specialized conditions, like transplants, LVAD or cancer, to bread and butter conditions. Getting exposure to as much as possible while I still had back up was important. You never know what may walk into your local ER.
What are the strengths of the Pitt EM program?
One of the big strengths of the program is the different practice sites we have. You get experience in an academic setting but also in a county/community setting. This gives you an idea of where you may want to work in the future, but also makes you more comfortable in any setting!
Tell us about your residency classmates! How long did it take to connect?
Starting in the midst of a pandemic lockdown made our experience less traditional. But we still had each other over for outdoor BBQs and especially got to connect more during the September month intern year.
What is one thing that surprised you about Pitt/UPMC?
How the faculty is overwhelmingly approachable and down to earth. Everyone is willing to help you to meet the career goals that you have.
About Pitt EM and Pittsburgh
What do you like best about living in Pittsburgh/Western PA?
Pittsburgh is a great, affordable mid-sized city. You can very reasonably rent or buy an apartment or house. There's access to many different experiences, from sports games (including very cheap pirates tickets), to theaters and museums, to a good amount of restaurants, breweries and bars that can keep you interested.
Where did you choose to live, and why?
I live in the Strip District, it's an area of the city built around the old shipping lines and now is home to ethnic grocers, lots of restaurants and bars and a few of the new tech companies in Pittsburgh. I wanted to live in an area where I could be only a few blocks away from walking to dinner or for drinks.
Based on your experiences, what advice would you give to incoming applicants about moving to the 'Burgh?
Pittsburgh is a city made up of different, small neighborhoods. Check them all out and see which one fits your personality and what you are looking for!