Medical School: Saint Francis University, Loretto, PA
Undergraduate: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie, PA
When I was exploring residency programs, I was looking for a program where
I would be supported in growing both as a resident and as a person outside
of medicine. I was in search of an unopposed family medicine program that
wouldprepare me to practice the full scope of family medicine in rural
communities. I also knew that my horse and dog would be going with me
wherever I went, so I was looking for a community and location that would
suit them, as well.
I did not have the opportunity to rotate at Latrobe as a medical student,
but when I arrived for my interview and saw the community among the residents
and the way that Dr. Semelka and the other faculty valued their well-being,
I knew this program would be at the top of my list. It quickly became
clear that the values of the program aligned with my own. I also appreciated
the way that the program leadership looked out for the residents. Residency
is hard no matter where you go, but I could tell that this program was
committed to supporting their residents in every possible way. From providing
affordable housing right across the street from the hospital to valuing
resident input in creating fair and manageable schedules, I felt that
this program truly cared about the well-being of the residents. I'm looking
forward to starting the next chapter of my training in a community that
supports me both as a resident and as a person.
Luke Egan, MD
Medical School: Thomas Jefferson University,
Philadelphia, PA
Undergraduate: Saint Vincent College, Latrobe, PA
When considering a family medicine residency program, Latrobe Hospital
made the choice very easy and obvious for me. I was fortunate enough to
do multiple rotations with the Latrobe Family Medicine Program as a student,
and from the first day I walked in everyone was extremely welcoming and
eager to teach. The attendings and staff were inspiring and embodied all
of the aspects that make family medicine such an important specialty.
Not only that, but everyone involved with the program had a deep sense
of caring towards their patients and fellow colleagues. The camaraderie
between residents and faculty was a huge drawing point to me that I didn't
get the sense of at other programs.
As an added bonus to me, the program is located just down the road from
my hometown of North Huntingdon, and my Alma Mater at Saint Vincent College.
One of the biggest draws to the program for me was to be able to return
back to the area and provide for the community that helped get me to where
I am today. I'm excited to start working with the Latrobe Family Medicine
Residency, and look forward to working with the local community as I further
my career as a Family Physician.
Josh Loucks, MD
Medical School: University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX
Undergraduate: Texas A & M University, College Station, TX
From the moment I read about the Latrobe Hospital Family Medicine Residency
Program and subsequently interviewed with the program leadership, faculty,
and residents, I knew it was the program for me. The environment created
by staff and faculty puts a focus on education and well-being, while also
pushing the residents to become the best physicians possible. Furthermore,
the convenience of the nearby residency housing and parking can't be understated.
Latrobe may not be close to where I grew up in Houston, TX, but it is a
remarkable community that felt like home as soon as I arrived. The family-like
atmosphere, beautiful surrounding areas, and fantastic climate combine
to make this Family Medicine Residency an unbeatable opportunity.
Taylor Matlas, DO
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Greensburg PA
Undergraduate: Grove City College, Grove City, PA
When ranking programs for residency, Latrobe Family Medicine stood out
as the one that emphasized the importance of great character and morality
in medicine. On my interview day, the faculty stressed that the greatest
attributes of their program were the standards they have set, and the
people involved. Their selection criteria highlighted their goal of wanting
to train ethically sound, humble, driven individuals who realize they
have a great responsibility to the community as physicians. Everything
about the program, but especially the people and their mission statement,
is what made me eager to join.
As someone who grew up in Mt. Pleasant, PA, I appreciate the role of healthcare
in more rural areas. To have the ability to serve Mt. Pleasant in an outpatient
setting, and serve Latrobe and Greensburg in the hospital setting, brings
me great joy. I feel blessed to have found a program that I know will
turn me into the best Family Physician I can be - and I am thrilled to
spend my next three years here.
Taylor Miller, MD
Medical School: St. George’s University School of Medicine, St. George's, Grenada
Undergraduate: Carlow University, Pittsburgh, PA
I chose Family Medicine at Latrobe Hospital for several reasons. I grew
up in a neighboring town but spent all of my medical school career out
of the state, so having the opportunity to come back home and take care
of the community that shaped me was an awesome feeling. Everyone I spoke
with during my interview seemed truly genuine and that they really put
the residents’ best interest and well-being first. I felt that they
would be supportive every step of the way as we navigated the many pathways
that family medicine has to offer. I was also drawn to the smaller size
of the program. I think this allows for a family-like atmosphere but doesn’t
take away from the education and learning opportunities.
Lauren Nord, MD
Medical School: Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
Undergraduate: Allegheny College, Meadville, PA
I am so excited to join Latrobe Hospital's Family Medicine residency program.
From my first on-site visit to all of the events and communications from
Dr. Semelka (our program director) and Melissa (our program coordinator),
I've been consistently impressed by how thoughtful and generous this program
is to its residents. Every attending, resident, and staff member I've
encountered at Latrobe Hospital has made me feel like family -- and, speaking
of, everyone's family I've met through Latrobe's (many) social events
are just as supportive!
One of the things I love most about Latrobe's program is their dedication
to tailoring each resident's education to their career goals and interests.
I have always been passionate about women's health and have a background
in Obstetrics & Gynecology. As my goals and interests have shifted
during the early years of my medical career, attendings like Dr. Trimeloni
have modeled for me the kind of practice I want to provide for my patients.
I am so lucky to be in a place where not only is the work culture outstanding,
but I'm also surrounded by a team with an inspiring range of experience
and training.
The Latrobe Family Medicine program values and celebrates the unique backgrounds
of its residents and staff, which I think is one of the secrets to its
success. Their attention to work-life balance and resident wellness (with
a heavy emphasis on dog ownership) was the icing on the residency cake
for me. I'm so excited to be a part of the team!
Allison Silber, DO
Medical School: West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, Lewisburg, WV
Undergraduate: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
I am thrilled to be in Latrobe because it is an unopposed Family Medicine
Residency in a small town near mountains and skiing. But more so, it just
felt like home when I visited for my interview. I had never been to or
heard of the area, as I grew up in Maryland, but I was pleasantly surprised
that it was exactly what I was looking for in a town: small, mountains
with ski hills nearby, but still close to a larger area.
During my interview, I enjoyed all of my conversations, learning about
the program’s supportive atmosphere and flexible curriculum, and
meeting so many amazing faculty and residents. They promote work-life
balance and having a great lifestyle while still working hard to learn
and train, which to me is incredibly important. I felt that I would be
encouraged to learn and pursue my passion of being a well rounded small
town family medicine physician who can do a variety, including OMM. I
know I will be pushed but also supported and they will help mold me into
a fantastic family medicine physician. I am so thrilled to be training
here and to call Latrobe my next home.
Joshua Sokolowski, DO
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Greensburg, PA
Undergraduate: University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
The Family Medicine Residency at Latrobe Hospital was attractive to me
for several reasons. First, having completed a surgical internship year
at a city-based level one trauma center made me realize how much I missed
a more rural setting. Latrobe is far enough from Pittsburgh to enjoy the
natural beauty of Western Pennsylvania, but close enough for a fun weekend
trip into the city. Second, having an unopposed residency provides more
interaction with faculty, more first-hand experiences, and more clinical
autonomy. After meeting the current residents and several graduates, it
is apparent that the training received at Latrobe builds confident, caring,
and clinically competent physicians. Third, Latrobe has been graduating
a diversity of family medicine physicians for over forty-five years. Some
choose to stay as in Latrobe or the surrounding area while others choose
specialty fellowship training, such as geriatric medicine or sports medicine.
The faculty is truly what makes this program stand out. They are genuinely
invested in the success of their residents and that is evident from the
very first time you meet them. This is not a program where you can just
float through three years unnoticed and receive a diploma. You are expected
to show up every day, be an active participant in the learning process,
demonstrate excellence in clinical care, and grow as a person and physician.
