In this month’s Resident Spotlight, we highlight Brittany Tran, MD, a third-year Internal Medicine Resident on the research track. Here, Dr. Tran describes her clinical and research interests, what makes UMass Chan a great place for residency, and her favorite things to do in Worcester!

Hometown? 
Mission Viejo, California  

 What are your clinical and research interests? 
I am applying for a cardiology fellowship and my research interests include examining healthcare disparities in patients with cardiovascular risk factors and disease in Vietnam. I am also interested in medical education and am currently evaluating the efficacy of our research track curriculum to improve educational content for our research track members.   

Are you involved in any other groups or activities at UMass Chan that you’d like to highlight?
As part of the research track, I am working on several projects with faculty in cardiology and epidemiology at UMass Chan. This track has refined my research skills and helped me become proficient in clinical and translational research.   

Additionally, I am a part of several groups that are close to my heart. The Internal Medicine Diversity Action Committee promotes a diverse and inclusive community via academic discussion of health inequities. Within this group, I am working on increasing the diversity of our residents during our internal medicine recruitment.   

I also started and currently lead the UMass Chan Women in Medicine Group. This group was founded for our female residents, faculty, and members from associated subspecialties to have a place to support and mentor each other. I hold social events to increase resident and faculty wellness, and host career panels to promote discussion surrounding the systematic challenges that women in medicine face.   

What makes UMass Chan a great place for your residency? 
Having attended medical school here, I saw the collegiality between residents, learners, and faculty. I appreciated the collaborative culture and staying here for residency solidified that. The relationships I’ve made here with faculty and co-residents have been paramount to my development as a physician.  

Favorite hobbies?
I spend my time outside of work mentoring women and students who are underrepresented in medicine on their applications to medical school. When I’m not doing mentor work, I enjoy baking Asian pastries and going to the gym to get my cardio fix.  

Favorite thing to do in Worcester/Worcester area? 
I like exploring the food scene! There are so many restaurants and cafes to try. I also like going to the New England Botanical Garden and attending concerts at Mechanics Hall.