Ashish Kumar Shrestha, MD
Transitional Year Resident
LVHN is now proudly part of Jefferson Health
La Lehigh Valley Health Network se enorgullece en ser ahora parte de Jefferson Health.
Career goal: Neurology/vascular
It is the people. As an international medical graduate from Nepal, you can imagine it is always going to be a massive transition. However, from the program leadership to my colleagues, all have made the stay go smoothly and worthwhile. I was flattered by the love and care I received from Arjan Ahluwalia, MD, Chief Resident, and Kristen Larimer, Program Coordinator. The support I received in terms of my learning and my personal matters has been phenomenal. LVHN has, without a doubt, been my second home.
Everyone has been so welcoming, not only the faculty members and colleagues from internal medicine but from other departments as well. Learning about neuropathology from Michael Johnson, MD, PhD, and receiving words of advice about anger management from James Reed, MD, have been a unique experience for me during these early months.
Outside of the training, the best memory will be the IronPigs baseball game, where, rather than the game, it was the chance to try out new foods like Dippin’ Dots and fried Oreos. I want to thank Brian Costello, DO, for that.
Regarding the training, the memory that I will cherish is the time that we spend together at noon lectures. Despite everyone being on their own rotations, having that time to chat and eat together will remain in my memory forever.
COVID-19 and virtual interviews have been tough. Every program has its own type of teaching environment and hospital setting. I want to advise you to think about your future goals, the type of education that you want to receive and the place where you will be happiest. At LVHN, I found a place where I can pursue my career in neurology with good education and research opportunities, all working in a friendly environment.
It means to be happy, honored and in safe hands.