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Chief's Corner - Drew Allen, DO

Drew Allen, DO Chief Medical Resident

Medical School: Kansas University of Medicine and Biosciences
Outside Interests: Family, Sports, Jazz, Cooking, Art
Future Plans: Cardiology Fellowship, University of Missouri at Kansas City

It has been an extraordinary opportunity to begin my medical career at the Cleveland Clinic. I chose this institution because the training here is exceptional and the hospital is consistently ranked one of the best in the country. Internal medicine residents are exposed medical issues, and a unique cultural flare. The learning environment is bolstered by staff physicians who are leaders in their respective fields and dedicated to the education of residents. The camaraderie among the residents and a strong sense of pride for our program also contribute to a rewarding experience. Most importantly, though, the multitude of learning resources coupled with a collegial work environment help to ease residents up the steep learning curve of internal medicine.

Residents at the Cleveland Clinic not only receive superior medical training, but are also involved in research at the forefront of medicine. I am proud to be affiliated with a program where residents publish numerous papers in well-respected medical journals each year. Researchers are always welcoming new resident ideas and including us in novel projects ranging from basic science to clinical trials. Moreover, the availability of research also serves to strengthen a resident's application for future academic positions and advanced fellowship training.

Life as a resident was certainly a time-consuming experience, but I managed to find plenty of time to enjoy my other interests. Cleveland is a fantastic city with a diverse population and innumerable activities. Residents frequently utilize discounted tickets to sporting events, theatrical performances, and other cultural activities that are available through the residency organizations at the Cleveland Clinic. Additionally, the internal medicine residents also serve as an instant family - someone is always planning an event or social gathering.

My experiences at the Cleveland Clinic have been truly exceptional. Residency training should provide learning opportunities with the best and brightest educators; this program certainly exceeds that expectation. Our residency program prepares residents for any position. I am confident that my internal medicine training has prepared me for my future cardiology fellowship.

Chief's Corner - Mihir Bakhru, MD

Mihir Bakhru, MD Chief Medical Resident

Medical School: St. George's University, Grenada
Outside Interests: Golf, Movies, Travel, Ohio State Football
Future Plans: Gastroenterology Fellowship,
University of Virginia at Charlottesville

Thank you for your interest in the Cleveland Clinic Internal Medicine Residency Program.  It has been an honor and privilege to train at one of the most respected institutions in the world, with some of the finest leaders and clinicians in their respective fields. I have no doubt that I have received outstanding training only few other institutions could provide. Several factors that influenced me to choose the Cleveland Clinic are the exceptional clinical training, diverse world class physicians, and research opportunities to build a foundation in internal medicine leading to further subspecialty training.

The diversity and complexity of our patients provides a unique educational experience. As a tertiary care hospital, we see a wide variety of rare but fascinating pathology in addition to the "bread and butter" cases. It's a diverse learning environment which has cutting edge diagnostic and therapeutical technology, unparalleled anywhere in the world. In fact, the President of the United States has visited the Cleveland Clinic several times in the past three years to praise our technological advances including the highly developed electronic medical record system.
 
The approachability of the staff at the Cleveland Clinic gives a glimpse of how special the institution is. The physicians here are some of the most influential leaders in medicine, and are truly dedicated to housestaff training. Their desire to teach and their endless support allows the residents to strive for excellence in both clinical and basic science research. It is truly an inspiring and humbling experience to have worked with some of the most brilliant minds in medicine. I will never forget the countless times rounding with staff that just finished a television interview about their groundbreaking study or wrote the textbook on the topic we are discussing.

The research opportunities that the Cleveland Clinic provides have built the foundation for my own career. As an intern, I had the privilege of giving an oral presentation during the plenary session at a international conference and receive an award for the best research abstract. Throughout my three years as a trainee, I have presented at several national conferences, written review articles and authored several original manuscripts. Many of my colleagues in residency have had similar results, publishing as first authors in leading journals as well as presenting at national conferences, which is truly a tribute to the Institutions' vast resources. Furthermore, we are very successful in matching our residents in competitive subspecialties and excellent post-graduate employment opportunities.

Living in Cleveland has also been wonderful with its suburban atmosphere and minimal traffic problems. There area a lot of neighborhoods with affordable housing, and various activities from the downtown nightlife to our many beautiful metro parks. Our housestaff association also sponsors activities such as providing tickets to musicals, plays, professional sports outings, and concerts.

I firmly believe that our Institution is world class and distinctive. I have tremendous gratitude to my staff as they have provided me with an excellent education and the opportunity to continue my training in Gastroenterology. The Cleveland Clinic can provide one with exceptional training and provide the framework to build a successful medical career.