Date published: April 22, 2025
May Fellow Spotlight: Onica Washington-Moore, MD, PhD
In this month’s Fellow Spotlight, we feature Onica Washington-Moore, MD, PhD, a Geriatrics fellow at UMass Chan. We recently caught up with Dr. Washington-Moore to learn more about her clinical and research interests, why she chose UMass Chan for her fellowship, and why Thanksgiving is her favorite holiday.
Hometown?
Saint Stephens, South Carolina. 60 miles north of Charleston, South Carolina.
What are your clinical and research interests?
My clinical interests include geriatric and palliative nephrology, management of older adults with CKD and ESRD on renal replacement therapy, calciphylaxis, and mineral bone disease. Eventually, I aim to establish a geriatric nephrology clinic focused exclusively on the comprehensive management of older adults with CKD and ESRD, encompassing dialytic and non-dialytic therapies, symptom management, and goals of care conversations. I am also interested in teaching residents and fellows the value and joy of interdisciplinary collaboration to optimize patient care within our community.
Why did you choose UMass Chan for your fellowship?
UMass has been my home since residency, so the chance to return as a renal attending and complete a geriatrics fellowship was a clear and obvious choice for me.
Where is your favorite place to travel for vacation and why?
France is my favorite place to vacation, and I'm excited to visit Reims and Strasbourg in the coming weeks. I especially enjoy the opportunity to practice the French language and savor all the amazing pastries. And because the cities are all so walkable, I don’t gain weight.
In your spare time, what TV show do you binge?
I’m not a TV person. In my spare time, I play video games. I’m currently playing Stardew Valley.
Favorite holiday?
Thanksgiving. That time of year has always been for my extended family and me to gather. I love the chaotic energy of cooking, children playing, and the usual family drama.
Favorite guilty pleasure snack?
Cheesecake.