In this month’s Resident Spotlight, we feature Siri Khalsa, MD, a third-year, categorical, Internal Medicine Resident. We recently caught up with Dr. Khalsa to learn more about his clinical and research interests, why he chose UMass Chan for residency, and his passion for surfing! 
 

Hometown? 
Millis, MA 

What are your clinical and research interests? 
Since medical school, I have been interested in hospital medicine, and I am very excited to be starting as a hospitalist at Newton-Wellesley Hospital in August of 2026. I like that NWH is a community medical center, while also providing the opportunity to work with residents and medical students.  

Are you involved in any other groups or activities at UMass Chan that you’d like to highlight? 
I have been working with some of the other residents and faculty here on a QI project to help expedite the transfer of patients with respiratory viruses to the Hospital at Home program. We helped develop alerts in Epic that have resulted in more referrals and transfers to Hospital at Home, which is especially important during the flu season when rates of these illnesses are high.     

What makes UMass Chan a great place for your residency? 
I appreciate that UMass Chan provides the opportunity to care for complex and diverse patients alongside a group of colleagues who are supportive, engaged, and genuinely invested in each other’s success. 

Favorite hobbies? 
I have been surfing since about the age of five. Although New England has some good spots, my favorite places to surf are Nosara, Costa Rica, and Newport Beach, California. When there aren’t any good waves nearby, I like going to the gym and hiking.  

Favorite thing to do in Worcester/Worcester area? 
My favorite spot in Worcester is Loving Hut, a plant-based Vietnamese restaurant. For some reason, there are two in Worcester, and the one on Chandler Street is way better than the one on Hamilton Street.   

What is your go-to board game? 
My new go-to board game is Quacks of Quedlinburg. It’s a bit complicated but fun once you get the hang of it, and there are multiple ways to play, which keeps it from getting old.   

What was your favorite book as a child? 
The Hobbit. I’m a fan of fantasy, especially Tolkien, and The Hobbit is great for someone with a short attention span like me.

In your spare time, what TV show do you binge? 
Lately, I have been watching a lot of “Nathan for You”.