Kate Ferris
Pennsylvania State University

Hi, and welcome to the awesome world of UVA Peds! After growing up outside of Pittsburgh, I decided to stay in PA for both undergrad and med school. Even though I'm a Pittsburgh girl at heart (Steelers! Pirates! Penguins! Primanti Bros!), moving to Charlottesville was the best decision I've ever made. I originally chose UVA because it was the place I felt most at home on the interview trail and it definitely has become my home since I've moved here. I work with the best residents and faculty, have seen many interesting patients, have plenty of free time, and there's so much to do with that free time in and around Charlottesville that you will never be bored.

If you want a place where you'll learn a lot, see plenty of the common stuff and also the zebras, and have a ton of fun in the process, UVA is for you. I'm very happy that I'm here and I wouldn't want it any other way! If you'd like to hear more about why I love UVA or if you have questions, feel free to contact me. Good luck out there!

Stephanie Grice
SUNY Upstate Medical University

Hey kids (if you are going into peds, you probably already realize it's because you still love being a kid deep down)! I'm a NY girl ... from western NY originally (B-town anyone?), but went to undergrad in Long Island, then back to upstate NY for med school ('Cuuuuuuuse!). I lived my entire life in NY so was certain I didn't want to spend my few precious hours off each day digging my car out of snow banks! So I looked a little further south for residency, and when I finally made it down to Charlottesville and met the residents of this program, I fell in love. Sounds cheesy, but it's true.

C'ville has all the things I was looking for: the rich culture and artistic outlets of a big city, with a small town feel. No need for walking dozens of blocks in the crisp winter air to check out a band downtown or meet friends out for dinner; the downtown and other city hot-spots are easily accessible and have so much to offer. Take note, music lovers... C'ville is truly a music hub and just think of yourself being right in the middle of it!

But what about the program? You'll soon find that it's really the people that make the program and the people here are amazing. It didn't take long for me to figure that out, and I hope you will agree. Whether it be achieving yet another victory in our Tuesday night softball league, meeting up with each other downtown for "Free Fridays after 5," or getting everyone together for "Starry Nights" at Veritas winery or tubing on the James, it is clear that the UVA Peds program is a fun-loving family and I'm glad to now be a part of that! Come meet us...you'll see what I mean!

Patrick Keenum
University of Alabama

Hello everyone. I’m originally from the northwestern part of Alabama and attended the University of Alabama for undergraduate (Roll Tide!) and UAB for medical school. So you’re probably wondering, what would draw an Alabama native all the way north to Virginia? It’s simple - the people here at UVA. As a fourth year medical student, I did an away rotation here and was impressed at the caliber of the attendings, residents, and staff at this program. The faculty have an exceptional commitment to teaching and the other residents are great to work with, which makes this an incredible place to train.

On top of all of that, the city of Charlottesville is an amazing place to live. Whether you’re interested in outdoor activities, history, or wine, Charlottesville has something for you. Though you might not guess it by the size of the town, there are always great musical acts in town (and if you’re like me, and prefer your concerts on the cheap side, there are weekly free concerts on the downtown mall during the summer).

If you have any questions about the program here at UVA or life in Charlottesville, feel free to contact me.

Talia Levy
Columbia/Ben Gurion University

Hi all. I grew up in Baltimore (pronounced Bawlmur if you’re from there), went to undergrad at the University of Maryland, and attended medical school in Israel. After an amazing four years living in the fierce desert heat of Beer Sheba, my husband and I decided we were ready for something new, but this time we wanted to stay a little closer to home. Charlottesville seemed to have everything we were looking for. We wanted to be in a place where nature was accessible and the living was simple, but where we could still get out and enjoy good music and good food on any given night. From the music scene and restaurants to the wineries and Shenandoah National Park, C'ville has yet to disappoint. Also, the city is easy to navigate, which means that despite our hectic schedules (my husband is studying Landscape Architecture—makes residency look easy) we can still find time to see one another.

I couldn’t be happier with the residency program. Just a few of the reasons I like it here: the environment is extremely supportive, the residents are a lot of fun, the attendings like to teach, and I always feel that my education is being prioritized.

Anandani Nellan
University of Arizona

Hi all, and welcome to UVA Peds. I grew up in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, moved to Austin, TX in middle school and then to Arizona at the start of high school. I completed my undergraduate education and then a combined MD/MPH program at the University of Arizona. My husband and I just got married and are excited to start our lives as newlyweds in a city with four seasons, the great outdoors, a vibrant downtown and a large academic center. We orchestrated our own match between pediatric residency and MBA programs and could not have found a better fit.

The best parts of residency so far have been getting to know my intern class and working with faculty who love to teach. I started the interview trail wanting a program with at least 20 residents per year, but 11 has been perfect. In my short time as an intern, I have seen many common diseases and ones I never learned about in medical school.

The restaurants, breweries, and wineries in the area have been fun to explore. During the summer, Charlottesville has Sunday polo matches at a local winery, free live music at the Pavillion on Fridays, and Restaurant Week. I attended all of the above while a new intern on inpatient ward rotation, so it is possible to work hard and have fun. I look forward to the leaves changing color and hopefully, snow. Please email me with any questions and all the best on your search for the program that is just right for you.

Erika Rhone
Pennsylvania State University

Hi there, and welcome to UVA Pediatrics! I am originally from New York, about 90 minutes from Manhattan and spent about 5 years working and finishing a post-baccalaureate pre-med program in NYC prior to med school. I went to medical school at PennState, and slowly have been migrating down south to my current home in Charlottesville.

Throughout the interview season, I was waiting for that 'aha' moment that my classmates talked about when they described finding the perfect fit of a residency program. I liked a lot of programs along the trail, but didn't have that feeling until my very last interview, at UVA! When I remember back to that day, I think about how positive it was: the residents were so friendly and the faculty so incredibly welcoming...I just felt instinctually that this was where I belonged for the next 3 years. The most critical factor in my decision-making was the overall experience of the program − I wanted to truly go through something special together with my fellow residents, as well as feel supported and encouraged to succeed by the faculty. And both of those things were readily apparent when I stepped foot into the hospital. I believe that UVA is a place where I can thrive and even more importantly, be happy training to be a pediatrician!

Having spent a decent amount of time in a big city, I wanted to live in a place that is culturally rich. Charlottesville has the benefits of a smaller city − life without the stresses or hustle and bustle of a huge metropolis (if you love the outdoors, Charlottesville is definitely the place for you! Hiking, tubing, picnics in great parks...) − while having its own unique personality and culture with vast restaurants and live music! Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions!

Anne Robertson
University of Virginia

Hi everyone! I grew up in Rockville, Maryland and went to the University of Maryland (Go Terps!) for college. I moved down to Charlottesville for medical school and feel so fortunate to have been given the opportunity to stay here at UVA for residency. During my third and fourth years of medical school, I was really impressed by the quality of faculty and residents that work here. The faculty are wonderful teachers and really take our education seriously. My fellow residents are friendly, motivated, and fun to work with. I am confident that I will get strong pediatrics training here, and have fun while doing it!

I have truly enjoyed my time living in Charlottesville. There is so much to do around here, including hiking, mountain biking, and eating at the local restaurants. My husband and I love taking our dogs on long walks along the trails and tasting wine at the many local vineyards. We are both very happy to be able to stay in Charlottesville for three more years, it has really become “home” to me!

Cara Skraban
University of Virginia

Hi! I grew up in sunny South Florida and stayed close to home for undergrad at Rollins College. For medical school, I decided to venture out of the warmth of Florida and discover another part of the country. When I interviewed at UVA, I knew I had found the perfect place for me. I have really enjoyed the past four years at UVA and Charlottesville is a great place to live. With its variety of restaurants, entertainment and outside activities, it has a big city feel with the charm of a small town.

When I started interviewing for residency, I found myself constantly comparing places to my home program. In the end, I knew that there was no better fit for me than UVA. While I was a medical student, it was easy to see how wonderful the Pediatrics Department is and I've never been disappointed. The people here make this a special program, and the attendings are very approachable and sincere. They are truly invested in our education and are great teachers. My fellow residents are a fun, laid-back, awesome group of people. I am very excited to have the pleasure of staying on at UVA.

Thanks for looking into our residency program. Best of luck on the interview trail and please let me know if you have any questions.

Mike Villareal
Brody/East Carolina University

Hi everyone, I’m glad you are interested in UVA pediatrics. I grew up in North Carolina and attended East Carolina University for medical school. When I was interviewing for residency, every program had nice people and strong academics; however UVA stood well above the rest. During my interview dinner, I was blown away by how well all of the residents got along, and how much they enjoyed UVA. Then during the interview day, I was truly impressed with the faculty and the program. Everyone went out of their way to make me feel comfortable and they were all so nice. When it came time for me to make my match list, it was an easy decision.

My fiancée and I have loved living here. Some of our favorite things to do are spending Friday nights on the Downtown mall, running down a trail, or visiting one of the numerous wineries. Intern year was great, and the attendings and residents have been better than I imagined. I am looking forward to another great year this year.

I hope that you find everything you are looking for in a residency program. I know that I have found it here at UVA. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me!

Juli-Anne Wade
University of Virginia

Hello everyone! I grew up just over the mountain in Waynesboro, VA and have always enjoyed the Charlottesville area. For undergrad, I went to Virginia Tech and then came to UVA for Medical school. Though I left Blacksburg, I will always be a Hokie, and so I love a good football game! Charlottesville has been a wonderful place to live for the past five years. My husband and I enjoy hearing live music at the many local venues here or in Richmond, about an hour away. There are great places to eat and many vineyards in the area. The city is a great place to have pets (we have two cats and a dog) and there are many outdoor activities in the surrounding mountains. I couldn't be happier to have stayed here at UVA to complete my training. Though I looked elsewhere, I couldn't find quite the same "family feel" that really makes the program what it is. Over the past year I have made life long friends who have been a strong support system and like a second family. Also, the attendings are very much invested in resident education and you can find faculty members with professional interests similar to yours.

Please feel free to contact me with questions and have fun during interview season!

Shelby White
University of Mississippi

Hi everyone! I'm extremely excited to be starting at UVA this year. As I traveled the country on the grueling interview trail, this was the place where I felt welcomed immediately and wanted to hang out with all the people I met! As I've started the year, I have continued to be impressed with the wonderful people I've met and the millions of things I've learned already.

Charlottesville is a great town. People have complained about the heat and humidity this summer, but coming from Mississippi, it's been a refreshing improvement! My husband and two sons (the 4-legged variety) love it here as well, especially the awesome parks all around the city! I'd be more than happy to try to answer any questions you might have and I look forward to meeting everyone as you come through.