Graduate Testimonials
Emem Adolf-Ubokudom, MD, FACR, FACP (2018 graduate)
Current position: Board Certified Rheumatologist at Cambridge Health Alliance in Somerville, MA.; Associate Director for Physical Diagnosis and Reasoning for Harvard Medical School at Cambridge Health Alliance; Instructor in Practice of Medicine at Harvard Medical School.
“Looking back at my time at my UMass Chan Rheumatology Fellowship, I was given the tools to become a thoughtful, empathetic, evidence-based rheumatologist. The patients we cared for during clinic and inpatient consultations more than prepared me for cases I see daily in clinic. I enjoyed the camaraderie between myself, and co-fellows and we still keep in touch regularly, they are some of my best friends. I also value and feel extremely lucky that I am able to call my previous rheumatology attendings to discuss challenging cases. The faculty is top-notch and always willing to offer clinical and professional advice even after you graduate.”
Padmanaidu Karnam, MD (2016 graduate)
Current position: Rheumatologist, Rheumatology Center of Athens, St. Mary’s Medical Group, Athens, GA., and Attending Faculty, St. Mary’s Internal Medicine Residency program, Athens, GA.
“The UMass Chan Rheumatology Fellowship is well-rounded with a blend of excellent clinical exposure and opportunity for clinical research. It was one of the best educational experiences I’ve received during my career. The program has exceptional faculty who go out of their way to train you, leaving you feeling very confident upon graduation. Clinic staff were friendly and helpful. We had exposure to a variety of cases and were able to do many procedures. We were also trained in the ultrasound examination of joints. Grand Rounds were excellent with the opportunity to interact with world-renowned rheumatologists. UMass Chan also had multiple clinical trials going on with a dedicated research coordinator. I also had the opportunity to publish during my fellowship with the encouragement and help of the faculty. I am extremely grateful for the excellent training I received from UMass Chan and would recommend this program to any aspiring rheumatologist.”
Amit Ladani, MD (2015 graduate)
Current position: Interim Section Chief, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV.
“The Rheumatology Fellowship at UMass Chan was one of the best learning experiences I have had during my educational journey. Due to the large geographic area it serves, fellows are exposed to a broad array of diseases. This is crucial to one’s post-fellowship practice. Faculty at UMass Chan are not only very supportive, but also great mentors. My experience at UMass Chan gave me the confidence start to my career. The high volume of both inpatient and outpatient cases prepared me for real-life practice experiences.”
Youmna Lahoud, MD (2015 graduate)
Current position: Associate Medical Director in Clinical Development at Biogen, Per diem faculty appointment at Boston University.
“I previously worked full-time as a rheumatology attending at BMC and held a full-time assistant professor role at Boston University and at Harvard Vanguard Multispecialty Group. My training at UMass Chan was one of the most enjoyable trainings I have ever had. It was well-rounded with excellent faculty and mentors and included a wide and broad array of clinical exposure and clinical research that could let me work pretty much anywhere I wanted. The entire faculty was excellent, friendly, and supportive of your career choices and family obligations. The pathologies seen in the area are from the simplest “bread and butter” rheumatology to the most complex cases requiring an ICU level of care. My excellent training and the support of my faculty helped me land different areas of jobs from academic medicine to community rheumatology, and now pharma industry. I would always recommend the Rheumatology Fellowship Program at UMass Chan!”
Prachaya Nitichaikulvatana (2010 graduate)
Current position: Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Immunology and Rheumatology at Stanford University.
“The Rheumatology Fellowship training program at UMass Chan Medical School was an excellent experience. The educational schedule allowed for a great mix of both inpatient and ambulatory care, as well as work-life balance. I felt well prepared for my career in the private clinic setting and subsequently in the academic setting, thanks to the very comprehensive exposure to a variety of conditions from common to complex. I also had the opportunity to participate in the Ultrasound School of North American Rheumatologists (USSONAR) program, adding to my skill set. The attending physicians on staff were all very knowledgeable, approachable and compassionate. I would recommend this training program without reservation to any physician seeking a thorough rheumatology education.”
Kimi Chan, MD (2009 graduate)
Current position: Assistant Attending Physician, Hospital for Special Surgery (NY.); Assistant Professor of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine (NY.).
“My training at UMass Chan is so fundamental to who I am as a practicing rheumatologist. The faculty have unparalleled clinical expertise and taught me clinical skills that am still so proud to show off to this day. The patient population was diverse and offered a great range of pathologies. The atmosphere was so collegial and supportive; I forged lifelong friendships with my co-fellows and the faculty members, who remain my biggest cheerleaders.”