About the Internal Medicine Residency

Deepa Shankar, PGY-1 resident (preliminary) 

“One of my favorite things about working at BMC-Brighton as a prelim year resident is the collegial work environment created by my co-residents, particularly my seniors. When I first started residency, a lot of the PGY-2s took me under their wing and taught me how to be a good doctor. They shielded me from the stress of busy rotations in the beginning as I found my footing, and they have been very invested in my education. I have become a more confident physician because of their help, and I am really glad I began my career with the people here at BMC-B.”  

Satani Sharkas, PGY-2 resident 

"Now, a year into my Internal Medicine residency, I still remember the excitement of receiving my very first interview invitation from St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center. I didn't realize then that I would find not just training, but an inclusive, diverse community that welcomed me as an international medical graduate (IMG), provided a wide range of clinical experiences, and offered a setting that fit both my professional goals and my personal priorities. The journey hasn’t been without its challenges, but with the support of the program leadership, we navigated obstacles, adapted to transitions, and grew stronger. Our hospital became Boston Medical Center - Brighton, a new name that carried with it fresh hopes and renewed commitment to our mission. Here, I was taught that medicine is as much about listening to stories as it is about writing orders - and that both can change lives. I discovered that resilience is built on night calls, compassion is learned at the bedside, and confidence grows one patient at a time. What made my experience truly memorable were the people - the staff who made the hard days easier, the attendings who believed in me even when I doubted myself, and the co-residents who showed up for each other in ways big and small, day after day. And then there’s Massachusetts itself, where weekends mean a hike through crisp autumn trails, a stroll along the coast, or wandering through a museum steeped in history. As I look ahead, I’m grateful to be exactly where I am: learning, growing, and shaping the kind of physician I set out to become when this journey began". 

Surik Sedrakyan, PGY-3 resident 

“When I was choosing an Internal Medicine residency, I wanted more than just strong clinical training. I was looking for a place where I would feel supported, have room to grow, and be part of a community I could truly call my own. Boston Medical Center–Brighton stands out because it offers all of this and more. 

On one hand, you’re living in one of the most vibrant cities in the United States, Boston, known for its historic charm, endless outdoor activities, a food scene that spans the globe, and world-class sports. Go Celtics! On the other hand, you’re training in a program that provides an outstanding mix of bread-and-butter medicine and complex, rare cases transferred to us as a tertiary care center. The patient population is diverse, the pathology is broad, and the learning opportunities are endless. Our training is highly competitive, as evidenced by the program’s long-standing record of graduates securing prestigious fellowships and building remarkable careers. 

What makes this program even more special is the balance between autonomy and support. We are trusted to make decisions, yet there’s always an experienced attending ready to guide us. And if I had to name the single most important reason I would choose this program again, it would be the people. Residency is challenging, but working alongside supportive, collaborative, and genuinely kind colleagues makes all the difference. Our camaraderie is rooted in the diversity of the program, with every resident bringing a unique story and background. 

Overall, I would recommend this program to anyone seeking exceptional training in a great city, with a culture where education and camaraderie are true priorities.”