In this month’s Resident Spotlight, we feature Eliza McDermott, MD, a second-year Internal Medicine Resident on the Primary Care and Medical Education track. We recently caught up with Dr. McDermott to learn more about her clinical and research interests, why she chose UMass Chan for residency, and her favorite places to eat around Worcester. 

Hometown?  
Quincy, MA  

What are your clinical and research interests? 
I am interested in metabolic health and cardiovascular risk reduction in the primary care setting. Primary care allows me to make lasting relationships with my patients over many years and partner with them to work toward not just a long life but also a life that is full and healthy, mentally and physically. From a research perspective, I am interested in how formal expectation-setting for medical students and residents leads to a more fulfilling learning environment. 

Are you involved in any other groups or activities at UMass Chan that you’d like to highlight? 
I love being a member of the Women in Medicine group and in the Medical Education track. Also, our QI group project "Doctors without Doctors" is focused on matching incoming interns with local PCPs, a cause near and dear to my heart!   

What makes UMass Chan a great place for your residency? 
UMass Chan attracts smart, funny, kind-hearted, and hard-working people. Our attendings and mentors care for us as learners and as people, and they set an example for excellent clinical care and fidelity to our calling in medicine. Our patient population is diverse and complex and being at a tertiary care center is rich with opportunities for learning and growth. I am so lucky to train here and grateful for the support from leadership and all my co-residents, who are also my friends!   

Favorite hobbies? 
I am a big reader and visit the Worcester Public Library quite frequently (and steal from the collection of my mom and younger sisters!). My favorite recent read is The Correspondent by Virginia Evans.   

Favorite thing to do in Worcester/Worcester area? 
I love getting dinner with friends in and around the city. The double smash burger at Armsby Abbey or one of everything at Sushi Miyazawa are some tried and true favorites. Worcester is also a great central location; we love the proximity to so many great parts of New England and use it to frequent Boston, Vermont, Maine, and more!   

What is your go-to board game? 
Technically a card game, but Anomia is always a hit in my house. It's quick, easy to learn, and brings out the most competitive edge in everyone.   

In your spare time, what TV show do you binge?  
My favorite comfort re-binge is The West Wing.   

What song/artist do you hope comes on first when you press random play on your playlist?  
“Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman.