Open Book . . . Caitlin Connolly, MD, PGY1
On Wednesdays, the Daily Voice introduces you to a student or resident at UMass Medical School. We’ve asked our subjects to answer a few questions that might reveal a little of their personalities. If you know someone who you’d like to see profiled, let us know at ummscommunications@umassmed.edu.
Why did you choose UMass Medical School?
I chose UMass Medical School because of the people. It has a very congenial and collaborative atmosphere, which is both why I chose to attend medical school here and why I decided to stay on for my intern year.
Describe yourself in six words or fewer.
Curious, thoughtful, calm, independent, kind, persistent.
If you were stranded on a deserted island, name three things you would want.
A (lot of) good books, sunscreen, my wife Kate (not necessarily in that order).
If you could have dinner with a famous person, living or dead, who would that be and why?
Georgia O’Keefe. I love her painting and she was an independent woman in an era before that was acceptable.
What person or experience made you decide to become a doctor and why?
My father is a pathologist, and I loved spending time in the hospital with him growing up. He inspired me to go to medical school.
What is the most interesting or challenging job (paid or unpaid) you’ve ever had and what did you learn about yourself?
One of the most challenging and interesting jobs I’ve had was as a science camp counselor at a day camp for middle-school-age kids. I learned that I didn’t have enough energy to keep up with a large group of 10 year olds for very long.
What would your fellow residents be surprised to learn about you?
I had a student commercial lobster license when I was in high school and college. I had 12 traps.
If residency at UMass Medical School had not been an option, what would you be doing right now?
I would probably be an engineer of some kind. I’ve always enjoyed science and problem solving, which both medicine and engineering have in common.
If you could change the world as a physician, what would you like to do?
I would like to improve access to health care, especially preventive care globally.
Most surprising thing you’ve found out about being a resident?
Not sure yet, it’s only been a week so far!
Most surprising thing you’ve discovered about Worcester?
It has a multitude of good restaurants that are relatively inexpensive.