Mohammed Sakil Shah, MD

Get to Know: Mohammed Sakil Shah, MD

Career goal: Cardiology

“We are not only dedicated to our own growth and success but also deeply committed to supporting the growth and success of our co-residents.”

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

At LVHN, we gain exposure to a wide range of pathologies, from common to rare conditions, and receive exceptional training to care for patients with these complexities. The quality of cases we encounter always amazes me, and we learn to develop the nuanced decision-making skills necessary to enhance patient care. The learning environment is exemplary, thanks to our dedicated teaching staff and the collaborative, motivated co-residents who inspire continuous growth.

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

One of the unique aspects of our training is having both a cardiac intensive care unit (ICU) and a medical ICU, which provides a vast array of critical care cases to learn from. Managing these critically-ill patients helps us develop into knowledgeable and confident physicians, preparing us to make independent decisions as future attendings.

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

One memorable experience was when we treated a patient who had suffered a cardiac arrest and was admitted to the cardiac ICU with an uncertain prognosis. After engaging in shared decision-making with the family, we initiated early interventions. A few weeks later, the patient made a remarkable recovery, far exceeding the initial neurological expectations. Witnessing this transformation was incredibly rewarding and reaffirmed my passion for this field.

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

Choose a program where you believe you’ll be happy. While it’s important to pursue your career goals, your mental health and well-being should also be a priority. A supportive and fulfilling environment makes all the difference during training.

What does it mean to be a resident at LVHN?

Being a resident at LVHN means embodying the qualities of a caring, motivated and collaborative individual. At LVHN, we are not only dedicated to our own growth and success but also deeply committed to supporting the growth and success of our co-residents.