In this month’s Resident Spotlight, we feature Nicole Nesto, MD, a first-year Internal Medicine Resident on the Primary Care track. We recently caught up with Dr. Nesto to learn more about her clinical and research interests, why she chose UMass Chan for residency, and her passion for reading. 

Hometown? 
St. Pete Beach, Florida  

What are your clinical and research interests?  
I hope to pursue a career in primary care with specialty interests in palliative care and autonomic dysfunction, particularly in caring for patients with dysautonomia, POTS, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. I am drawn to this path because I value building long-term relationships with my patients and caring for them as whole people, not just their diagnoses. My goal is to practice medicine that consistently centers patients’ values, prioritizes quality of life, and emphasizes thoughtful, compassionate, longitudinal care. Outside of the clinical setting, I am actively involved with The Dysautonomia Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating both patients and physicians on the recognition and management of autonomic dysfunction.  

Are you involved in any other groups or activities at UMass Chan that you’d like to highlight? 
I’m a proud member of the Women in Medicine group, and I am so glad to be a part of a community where strong women consistently support and mentor one another.  

What makes UMass Chan a great place for your residency?  
The people. I have never met a group of kinder or more supportive co-residents, attendings, and program directors. Being a resident at UMass Chan means feeling supported in every sense of the word, both professionally as I grow into a confident and capable physician, and personally as I navigate the many challenges that come with residency. There is a genuine culture of mentorship, collaboration, and compassion that makes it clear that residents here are truly valued as individuals, not just trainees.  

Favorite hobbies? 
I LOVE reading! My favorite genres are fiction/ fantasy and romance. When I’m not at work, you can find me curled up on my couch with an iced coffee and a good book.   

Favorite thing to do in Worcester/Worcester area? 
My favorite thing to do in Worcester is undoubtedly snagging BOGO pizzas at Volturno with my co-residents on Monday or Tuesday nights!  

In your spare time, what TV show do you binge? 
I’m definitely a crime show aficionado. I almost always have Bones, How to Get Away with Murder, or Rizzoli & Isles on in the background.  

Favorite holiday? 
Halloween! I love everything about fall and the spooky season, especially after living in New England. From watching the leaves change to going apple picking, enjoying fresh cinnamon donuts, carving pumpkins, attending jack-o’-lantern festivals, trying pumpkin beer, and exploring the Salem Witch Museum, there’s something undeniably magical about the season. 

Favorite guilty pleasure snack? 
Chocolate chip cookies- you can’t beat 'em!