Jenny Kang
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Medical School: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Professional Interest: Hospital medicine, rheumatology
What is your favorite part of the St. John’s Internal Medicine Program?
The culture really makes this program stand out. The amount of support that residents give to each other and GME/attendings give to the residents really makes it a nurturing environment for young physicians to train in.
What is the most difficult part of residency?
Maintaining work-life balance and taking care of yourself, both physically and emotionally.
What advice would you give to a M-4 student applying to residency?
Just be yourself and ask lots of questions. Show the program who you are as a person and be honest with the program's compatibility with your needs as a physician and person.
What’s life in Cleveland like outside of the hospital?
There's something to do for everyone here in Cleveland, whether that be sports, music, nature, or museums. I look forward to exploring more of the Metroparks and sports scene in the city.
What’s your favorite Cleveland restaurant?
My favorite local restaurant so far has been Brassica, a Mediterranean restaurant conveniently located on Detroit Rd. I am also excited to try the restaurants that friends and co-residents recommended such as Dang Good Foods in Lakewood.
Ahmed Gamal
Hometown: Mansoura, Egypt
Medical School: October 6 University Faculty of Medicine
Professional Interest: Allergy/Immunology
What is your favorite part of the St. John’s Internal Medicine Program?
The best part about the St. John’s Internal Medicine Program is the amazing support system we have here. Whether it’s the Program Director, attending physicians, coordinators, or senior residents, everyone genuinely cares and is always there to guide us. It's like being part of a big, supportive family where everyone wants you to succeed and reach your potential.
What is the most difficult part of residency?
I thought the toughest part of residency would be getting used to the intense schedule and new responsibilities. But to my surprise, the senior residents made the transition so much smoother. Their eagerness to help us settle in and learn quickly was invaluable. Honestly, if I had to choose a program all over again, I’d still pick St. John’s Internal Medicine Program in a heartbeat.
What advice would you give to an M-4 student applying to residency?
Jumping from medical school to residency can be pretty intimidating, but just remember: hard work pays off. Be clear about your goals, set a plan, and work towards them step by step. Most importantly, surround yourself with people who uplift and motivate you. Being in a supportive environment makes all the difference.
What’s life in Cleveland like outside of the hospital?
Cleveland is a hidden gem! It’s so diverse and vibrant. If you’re a foodie, you’ll love the variety of restaurants offering cuisines from all over the world. Nature lovers will enjoy exploring the stunning Metroparks. And if you appreciate distinct seasons, Cleveland offers everything from snowy winters to sunny summers. There’s something for everyone here!
What’s your favorite Cleveland restaurant?
That's a tough one because Cleveland has so many fantastic dining spots. But if I had to pick, I’d say “Ferris Shawarma” is at the top of my list. Their Shawarma wraps are insanely delicious! If you’ve never tried Shawarma before, you’re in for a treat. It’s an experience you won’t forget, and if you’re already a fan, this place might just become your new favorite.
Jordan Fuesser
Hometown: Portland, Oregon
Medical School: The Pacific Northwest University
Professional Interest: Pulmonology/Critical Care
What is your favorite part of the St. John’s Internal Medicine Program?
The support system. It’s incredible to be part of an environment where everyone is genuinely invested in your future, working tirelessly to provide every opportunity to achieve your career goals.
What is the most difficult part of residency?
Figuring out which button to click. But we have EPIC, so it’s not that bad.
What advice would you give to an M-4 student applying to residency?
Choose a residency program where you'll be supported and uplifted. Look for a culture that fosters both professional growth and personal well-being.
What’s life in Cleveland like outside of the hospital?
Life in Cleveland has been fantastic. Coming from Portland, Oregon, I've particularly enjoyed the outdoor spaces. The beaches are stunning, the parks are beautiful, and the bicycle paths are excellent. Plus, there's hardly any traffic, which is a dream come true.
What’s your favorite Cleveland restaurant?
Foodhisattva in Cleveland Heights. It offers delicious Asian-fusion dishes with plant-based twists, such as BBQ tofu wings and chickpea fries.
Robert Tseng
Hometown: Palo Alto, CA
Medical School: Kansas City University
Professional Interest: Palliative Care
What is your favorite part of the St. John’s Internal Medicine Program?
My favorite part of the program is the people. Everyone is so unbelievably supportive, from the attendings to our GME staff, and obviously my co-residents. Whenever I need anything at all I know that I can send anyone an email or message and they will do whatever they can to help!
What is the most difficult part of residency?
The most difficult aspect of residency for me has been adapting to the evolving responsibility. This entails not only our responsibility to our patients and to our colleagues, but also to ourselves. We are responsible for the health care we provide to our patients, educating rotating students and more junior residents, and we are also responsible for taking care of our own physical and mental health. That all being said, the team here is wonderful at helping each other out and always work to lift each other up.
What advice would you give to a M-4 student applying to residency?
The most important thing you can do is be true to yourself. You spend a very significant amount of time with your attendings and co-residents, if you are cannot be yourself it makes residency even harder than it has to be. Just be you and let your personality shine.
What’s life in Cleveland like outside of the hospital?
Cleveland has a lot to offer, sports, food, and plenty of outdoor activities such as the Metroparks. If you are looking for something specific, Cleveland probably has it, it is just a matter of seeking it out.
What’s your favorite Cleveland restaurant?
LJ Shanghai. Without a doubt they have the most authentic Chinese food in Cleveland.
Zach Hostoffer
Hometown: Cleveland, OH
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Professional Interest: Allergy/Immunology
What is your favorite part of the St. John’s Internal Medicine Program?
My favorite part about St John medical residency is the non-intimidating environment that centers on personal and professional growth of its residents without feeling the fear of any hierarchial shadow. The snack cart is pretty cool too.
What is the most difficult part of residency?
The most difficult part of residency is dealing with fatigue during blocks of internal medicine and ICU, but luckily there is a coffee shop that helps with survival. All other parts of residency are very manageable with the support from our team.
What advice would you give to a M-4 student applying to residency?
My advice to anyone applying to residency is to be present during interviews, especially with virtual interviews taking over. It is essential to show the program of interest your great personality which can be challenging over a web camera. If you have the ability, rotating with programs of interest will only benefit you and make you a stronger candidate.
What’s life in Cleveland like outside of the hospital?
My perfect day in Cleveland would include exploring one of many waterfalls/rivers that our beautiful and vast Metro Parks has to offer followed by getting lunch in our Ohio City area (possibly West Side Market) - I suggest Fat Cats, BrewDog, or Astoria. From there I may check out our free Art Museum or catch a MLB Guardians game over at Progressive Field to watch the 5th inning hot dog race. For dinner, I may hit up my favorite west side location Rocky River Wine Bar (mainly for the outdoor patio) and finish the night off by watching the sunset on Lake Erie at Bradstreet fishing pier.
What’s your favorite Cleveland restaurant?
My favorite Cleveland restaurant is Amba down in Ohio City. It is a nice Indian restaurant with modern flavors and ideas. If you go, I would try the Lentil Donuts and dip them in the coconut chutney sauce - do not waste that sauce. A close 2nd is 17 River Grille over in Chagrin Falls which is a restaurant that actually hangs over the waterfall.
Zelalem Kenea
Hometown: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Medical School: Addis Ababa University, College of Health Sciences.
Professional Interest: Hospital Medicine and Gastroenterology
What is your favorite part of the St. John’s Internal Medicine Program?
My favorite part of the St Johns Internal Medicine program is the people I work with and the excellent and experienced teaching faculty.
What is the most difficult part of residency?
The challenging part of residency is adjusting to a new environment.
What advice would you give to a M-4 student applying to residency?
I would advise M-4 applicants to narrow down specialty choices and the training setting ahead of time.
What’s life in Cleveland like outside of the hospital?
I enjoy walking at the Westlake Park.
What’s your favorite Cleveland restaurant?
My favorite Cleveland restaurant is Fiesta.
