Internal Medicine Resident Spotlights

Kristi Dutta, PGY-2 

Where did you grow up? Where did you go to medical school?

I grew up in New Jersey and I went to medical school at the University of Miami!

Why did you choose UMMC for residency?

I always knew that I wanted to return to the northeast after medical school for a few reasons – proximity to family and friends and to experience a season other than summer after living in Miami for five years. When I was looking at programs, UMMC was one of my top choices. I completed my undergraduate education at UMD in College Park, so I knew that the University of Maryland system provided a great educational environment. When invited to interview, I was impressed that, despite being a very well-established and comprehensive internal medicine program, there was still an emphasis on continued improvement. Additionally, my faculty interview felt natural and personal, which reinforced my belief that I would enjoy working with the staff here. 

What do you value most about the program?

I feel strongly that the overall personality of a program sets the tone for the type of individuals who ultimately become a part of it. I was excited to find that my co-interns and residents were people that I could relate to, personally and professionally, and who foster such a great working environment. I can honestly say that even when the days are long and busy, I can at least enjoy the company and camaraderie of my colleagues and that’s something I value immensely. Additionally, the benefit of being a large academic institution is the diversity of the patient population and clinical presentations – the variety of pathologies and conditions I see regularly are preparing me for any future work environments.

What are your career goals and how has UMMC helped you achieve them?

I’m still deciding what I want to be when I grow up! I’m torn between pursuing a career in hospitalist medicine and choosing to subspecialize in a field like critical care or cardiology. The beauty of a program like UMMC is the ability to explore a variety of fields in medicine, in both the inpatient and outpatient setting. For me, one of the highlights of this program is the ability to work in the intermediate care unit, which is not something available at every institution, but allows me to have a much better perspective on acute care medicine in a unique setting. There is also the opportunity to explore longitudinal electives in clinic to have continuity with mentors and long-term patient care. I also really appreciate being able to work with faculty who have diverse educational and career backgrounds, because they provide the perspective of a non-traditional or non-linear path through medicine.

What neighborhood do you live in and what do you love about Baltimore?

I live in Hampden, about 15 mins north of the hospital, which I really enjoy! I’ve had a lot of fun exploring different parts of Baltimore, particularly trying to eat at every place on my growing Baltimore food list and explore a surprising number of green spaces and parks. I also love that each neighborhood has its own personality. What I like about Hampden specifically is the laid-back vibe and the variety of eclectic, little stores to explore! 

What do you like to do in your free time?

I like walking around the neighborhood and exploring the city with my fiancé, taking care of my plant babies, learning how to embroider and binge-watching my favorite shows! My fiancé and I also love comedy shows and are very excited about the comedy club opening in Fells Point.

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Kendall Klein, PGY-3 

Where did you grow up? Where did you go to medical school?

I grew up in New Orleans and attended LSU New Orleans for medical school.

Why did you choose UMMC for residency?

I knew I wanted a program that served a similar patient population that I had seen in New Orleans. During my interview day, I was also impressed by the program's ability and receptibility to resident feedback, making real time changes. Additionally, I was interested in critical care and the program provided many opportunities in this area.

What do you value most about the program?

The support from my co-residents and attendings has really stood out to me. I have always felt I could reach out to others for help, and we work well as a team.

What are your career goals and how has UMMC helped you achieve them?

I hope to become a pulmonary and critical care medicine physician. I have found great mentors throughout my time here, starting first with senior residents who helped integrate me into projects and facilitate relationships that I now have with fellows and attendings. With this and the elective and outpatient opportunities I have had, I was able to confirm my decision to pursue this career.

What neighborhood do you live in and what do you love about Baltimore?

I have lived in Federal Hill all of my time here in Baltimore. I love all of the micro neighborhoods surrounding the harbor and have explored them all. There are many unique bars and restaurants around the city, and even coming from the foodiest of cities I have found my favorite spots! And you can't forget about the history in the city with the ability to travel easily to Washington D.C.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Neighborhood walks in Fed Hill is at least a weekly activity, and usually include a trip to Bmore Licks. I am now an Orioles fan (before they got good) and it's a bonus that our free parking at the hospital is minutes from Camden Yards. During the perfect fall and spring weather, the waterfront bars in Fells Point are a must.

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