Colin McHugh

• Medical School: Drexel University College of Medicine
• Residency: University of Rochester Medical Center

Why Did You Choose Your Field

I was drawn to Hematology/Oncology by the intriguing nature of the underlying diseases and the satisfaction of helping patients navigate these complex and challenging conditions. It represents an intersection of fascinating science and physiology, challenging clinical cases, and rewarding interpersonal interactions.

Program Uniqueness

This program has tremendous individuals working to ensure its success. We are fortunate to work with faculty who are dedicated clinicians, skilled educators, and genuinely good people. Outside of that, I’ve also been struck by how willing the program is to help an individual trainee shape their educational experience according to their own needs and interests. While everyone shares the same important core training involving outpatient clinics, consultant service, and the inpatient malignant hematology rotation, there is a lot of room in the three year schedule to build your training into the best launching platform for your future career, whatever that may be.

Program Recommendation

The program and the institution as a whole have been a phenomenal place to work through both my residency and my fellowship. After experiencing this place the first time I interviewed for my residency program, the University of Rochester became my first choice. Years later when I began the process of applying to fellowships, there was never any serious doubt in my mind that this program was my first choice to continue my training. The clinical training is excellent, the faculty and staff are excellent, and the greater Rochester area has proven to be a wonderful place to live. If I had the choice to make all over again, I wouldn’t change a thing.

Learned Skills

My time in fellowship has not just helped me to build skill in hematology and oncology, but it has also helped me to grow as a clinician and a person. There is a multifaceted curriculum that is not limited purely to clinical facts but involves interpersonal interactions and social skills, introspection, and quality improvement.

Living In Rochester

If you’re coming from a larger metropolitan area, you’ll likely be surprised by the quality and variety of the restaurants in the area. I’ve been really impressed by the options available to me. It is also striking how affordable housing is in the area, even after accounting for the high property taxes.

Career Goals

I plan to focus on a clinical career in a community or university-affiliated practice.

How Has This Program Prepared You For Your Future

Besides the broad and thorough exposure to an array of cancer types that one would expect from any fellowship program, I have been the opportunity to customize my clinics and my schedule to best suit my personal goals and interests to ensure that I am ready to step into a clinical career.