Kelly with husband Frank Pizzo and & canine companion Kol (Harpswell, Maine)
I grew up in a small town in northern Maryland and lived there through high school. I attended Bowdoin College and fell in love with the coast of Maine (and my husband). I took full advantage of this liberal arts school, majoring in English and environmental studies with a minor in biology and sailing on the varsity team. After a year of research in environmental health and too many hours in front of a computer editing graphs, I decided to pursue medical school and ended up at Tufts. After that I started my residency at UVA and have really enjoyed my time in Charlottesville.
Why internal medicine?
I was always attracted to the breadth of knowledge that was required to practice internal medicine and the diagnostic puzzle. These are the things that get me up in the morning. In medical school, I loved time in the OR but knew I wanted to spend most of my day talking with patients. I think I’ve found a great balance in gastroenterology and look forward to starting my fellowship in July at Lahey Clinic.
Why UVA?
From my interview day until now, I’ve found UVA to be a place where resident education is the focus and clinical opportunities are abundant. I’ve even had the chance to spend two months in Uganda working with residents there and learning more than I ever expected to about tropical medicine. But most of all I’ve been grateful to be at UVA where my colleagues are interesting, smart, fun to work with, and supportive.
Kelly (front) Hiking Mount Gahinga in Uganda
What are you usually doing in your spare time?
When I can escape the hospital, I like to hike in Shenandoah, jog the many trails throughout town, or practice my currently pathetic fly-fishing and tennis.
What’s one thing you always have in your fridge?
Ice cream – especially Talenti.
Where did you go on your last vacation?
My last vacation was spent visiting my grandparents in Key West. I always thought it was a brilliant move, since it guarantees them visitors all winter.
If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?
I’d love to learn how to ski well enough to take a back-country trip with my husband. I spent a few weeks in college telemark skiing in the Tetons, sleeping in snow shelters and learning about avalanches — it was a trip I’ll never forget. But, between living in Virginia and being a resident, I definitely need a refresher.
Words you live by?
In life, you get what you put in. Everything comes back around.
The eastern box turtle.
What about you would surprise us?
I spent a few summers with unusual jobs — tracking eastern box turtles with radio telemetry, teaching sailing in Casco Bay, making biodiesel, and teaching forensic science.
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Tags: Education