Luke Ciminera, DO

Get to know Luke Ciminera, DO, internal medicine resident.

Medical school: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Career goal: Hematology oncology fellowship

As a proud Pennsylvanian, it’s incredibly fulfilling to serve my home state and provide care on par with the nation’s top academic centers.

What makes your Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) training program different from others across the country?

From the moment I learned about LVHN, it felt like it was the perfect fit for me. As a major referral center, LVHN residents regularly encounter complex cases that require a multidisciplinary approach. The rare and puzzling pathologies we cover following transfer from our satellite campuses are not routinely seen at most programs. This variety not only keeps the learning environment stimulating but also ensures a depth of experience that strengthens clinical judgment and diagnostic skills. Our robust pulmonary/critical care and cardiology training provides an exceptional foundation in essential areas of internal medicine. The chance to learn from leading experts in these fields fosters a culture of collaboration and continuous growth, making it easy to see how each resident develops into a confident, well-rounded physician. I’m certain that by training at LVHN, I’ll be well-prepared for any career path, whether that means specializing further or excelling as a comprehensive internist.

What has been the most extraordinary part of your training experience so far?

The most unique aspect of my training experience has undoubtedly been my time in the intensive care unit (ICU). This rotation stands out because it grants residents, especially interns, a higher level of autonomy than any other area of training. We also spend the most hours in the hospital during ICU, which means we’re exposed to an exceptionally wide breadth of pathologies, from severe infections to complex multi-organ failure. In the ICU, every day brings an opportunity to deepen our understanding of pathophysiology, work collaboratively with outstanding nursing staff and refine our communication skills through challenging discussions with patients’ families. It’s often in these critical moments that the importance of shared decision-making becomes most evident, and handling goals-of-care conversations can be truly transformative for an intern’s growth. Overall, I believe this immersive, hands-on experience in the ICU has been the most significant contributor to my development, as well as that of my fellow residents.

What is one memory you have from your training so far that will stick with you for your career?

The first “code blue” cardiac arrest I participated in is something I’ll never forget. Coming into my internship, I had very little experience with such high-stakes situations. Seeing my senior resident conduct the entire effort with precision and authority was incredibly inspiring, and it set a clear standard for how I’d like to lead in the future. In that intense moment, I realized how crucial effective delegation is when seconds truly matter. That experience will forever shape how I approach crisis situations and reinforce the value of teamwork in patient care.

What is one piece of advice you would share with someone as they select a training program?

I believe the most important factor to consider when choosing a residency program is its culture, particularly the people you’ll be working with day in and day out. Your co-residents become like family, and you want that environment to be uplifting, collaborative and supportive, with a shared sense of accountability and drive. I chose LVHN because, as a student here, I saw firsthand how the residents interacted with each other and how the attendings treated the residents: with respect, mentorship and genuine camaraderie. When you’re spending 8-12 hours a day and 5-6 days a week in the hospital, it’s crucial to be in a place where you feel reinforced and motivated. In my opinion, the relationships you form will be the most influential part of your next three years, so finding a program whose culture aligns with your values is key.

What does it mean to be a resident at LVHN?

Being a resident at LVHN holds profound personal significance for me. As a proud Pennsylvanian, it’s incredibly fulfilling to serve my home state and provide care on par with the nation’s top academic centers. I’m deeply grateful for our program leadership, whose mentorship and support have played a key role in my growth as a physician. I’m also excited to take part in the new merger with the Jefferson Health system, which will expand access to quality care for underserved communities throughout the region. Beyond patient care, LVHN offers tremendous opportunities for research alongside renowned specialists, fostering an environment where discovery and innovation thrive. Living in this area is equally rewarding as there’s plenty of natural beauty to explore through hiking, biking and skiing, and the vibrant nightlife scene in the surrounding cities provides a welcome balance to our demanding schedules. Above all, I love training alongside an exceptional group of residents from across the country and around the world, sharing diverse perspectives and expertise. We also have the privilege of mentoring medical students who rotate through our program, helping shape the next generation of physicians. In every respect, being a resident at LVHN means upholding excellence, building community and making a real difference in the lives of patients.