Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Greensburg, PA
Undergraduate: Earlham College, Richmond, IN
As a native of Western PA, thoughts of Latrobe often evoked images of community,
compassion, respect, and authenticity, characteristics embodied by people
from the city I looked up to, most notably Arnold Palmer and Fred Rogers.
As I embarked on my 4th-year rotation at Latrobe with the Family Medicine
Residency, I was excited to see that those characteristics extended to
the residents and attendings that I had the opportunity to work with during
my month-long experience. From showing compassion and empathy with patients
undergoing challenging times, to the community and camaraderie between
residents both inside and outside of the hospital, to feeling respected
as a member of the team as a student, I discovered that Latrobe was not
only interested in creating good physicians, but also good people who
would be well-prepared to be true members of their communities after residency.
This was undoubtedly the most important thing I considered when choosing
where I hoped to do residency.
Beyond this, the provided housing, meal stipends, hands-on learning opportunities,
and the ability to pursue my passions within medicine while remaining
close to the community I grew up in are amazing bonuses. From the time
I first began my journey towards medicine, I had always hoped I would
have the opportunity to give back to the community that helped me grow
and mature, and at Latrobe, I will have the ability to do just that. I
am thankful to be a part of such a supportive program and look forward
to the journey ahead as part of the Latrobe Hospital Family Medicine Residency.
Sofia Claesson, DO
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Greensburg, PA
Undergraduate: Reed College, Portland, OR
Though I’m not originally from the area, it’s been a joy getting
to know Western Pennsylvania over the past four years. With its rich history
and distinct character, it has truly become a place I call home. From
the very first day of my sub-internship, I knew Latrobe was the right
program for me. The warmth, support, and eagerness to teach I experienced
from everyone stood out immediately.
Beyond the welcoming atmosphere, the program checked every box on my list—from
comprehensive, unopposed training to culinary medicine opportunities in
a dedicated teaching kitchen. I’m incredibly excited to join a program
that aligns so closely with my values and goals. I look forward to becoming
the best family physician I can be and forming meaningful relationships
with patients in both the hospital and clinic settings.
Outside of medicine, I enjoy making chocolate bon-bons (always testing
out new flavors), tackling home renovation projects, hiking, and spending
time with my husband, our two cats, and two dogs.
I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity to train at Latrobe and
can’t wait to grow alongside such a dedicated and compassionate team.
Elijah Depew, DO
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Greensburg, PA
Undergraduate: University of Dallas, Dallas, TX
During the residency interview process, Latrobe Family medicine stood out
to me as a program where I would be encouraged to grow both as a physician
and as a person. The faculty and residents that I spoke with truly impressed
me as people that I would be excited to work with and learn from. This
was only reinforced during the second look when I was able to bring my
family along.
Having grown up in a small town in western Pennsylvania, I was also looking
for a program which would train me to practice effectively in this same
setting after graduation. As an unopposed program, Latrobe fit the bill
perfectly and was also clearly an excellent location to plant my family
for 3 years. I am very excited to have matched at my number one choice
and I look forward to the professional and personal growth that I will
have during my training here.
Raquel Ferreira, DO
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Elmira, NY
Undergraduate: Emmanuel College, Boston, MA
Hello, my name is Raquel Ferreira. I grew up in Dartmouth, Massachusetts
until I moved to Boston to complete my undergraduate education in Biology
and Health Sciences at Emmanuel College.
After college, I worked as a research data coordinator at Boston Children’s
Hospital for three years for the hospital’s Heart Center. That position
inspired me to pursue a career in medicine due to my experiences working
with the wonderful patients and healthcare professionals I encountered.
I am currently finishing up my fourth year of medical school at Lake Erie
College of Osteopathic Medicine, and I am very excited to begin my residency
training by joining the Family Medicine Program with Latrobe Area Hospital.
This program was my first choice when ranking residency opportunities
because it strongly emphasizes training physicians of high, principled
character who are dedicated to the work they do and are primarily committed
to providing excellent and compassionate care to the patients they serve.
Michael Jonathan Finelli, MD, BESc
Medical School: St. George's University, True Blue, Grenada
Undergraduate: Western University, Ontario, Canada
My experiences outside of medicine have allowed me to develop a foundation
of transferable skills and commendable qualities. As a chemical engineer
my pathway required problem-solving, critical thinking, and a deep understanding
of complex systems. My role as a quarterback and defensive captain honed
my ability to assess situations quickly, and anticipate needs - skills
directly applicable to diagnosing and treating patients. I was also nominated
into the Gold Humanism Honor Society by my peers for my compassion towards medicine.
Latrobe Family Medicine Residency program’s close-knit community
and commitment to compassionate healthcare resonate deeply with my personal
values, creating an ideal environment for me to grow as a physician while
making a meaningful impact on patients' lives. The unopposed family medicine
residency program further solidified my interest in Latrobe. Additionally,
during my interview, I was warmly welcomed by the staff and faculty, whose
high character and cordiality left a lasting impression. For these reasons,
I am confident Latrobe Family Medicine Residency program will provide
the perfect foundation for my career as a family doctor.
Edoardo Frezza, MS, MD
Medical School: Trinity School of Medicine, Warner Robins, GA & St. Vincent
Graduate: University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
Undergraduate: University of Delaware, Newark, DE
I chose the Latrobe Family Medicine Residency for its impressive career
opportunities, its devotion to the community, its support for the residents,
the family-feeling so well cultivated within the program, and it being
an unopposed residency. Plus, it's close my hometown, Pittsburgh, PA.
I am a family medicine resident who believes in building strong, supportive
relationships with my patients. I have a background in neuroscience, neuropharmacology,
and a deep appreciation for different cultures, thanks to my studies in
both science and the arts.
I am passionate about making healthcare feel personal, approachable, and
inclusive. It is my hope that, together, we can have everyone build healthier
and happier lives.
Alena Naritsin, MD
Medical School: St. George's University, True Blue, Grenada
Undergraduate: University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA
When choosing a program, some of the most important factors for me were
camaraderie, mentorship, and a strong sense of community and family. I
wanted to be part of a program that would help me grow as both a physician
and an individual. During my interview at Latrobe, I instantly felt welcomed
and as if I were already part of the family. I saw how invested and dedicated
the faculty were to the residents' learning and success, and I knew I
would be able to become a well-rounded physician at the Latrobe Hospital
Family Medicine Residency Program.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time outdoors. I especially like going
on hikes or bike rides through parks. Latrobe and the surrounding area
have many parks, and I am excited about the opportunity to explore them
during my time here. Additionally, I enjoy baking for my friends and family,
as well as playing video games when I want to relax indoors.
Dominic Wells, DO
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie, PA
Undergraduate: Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA
Growing up in Southwestern Pennsylvania, I am thankful to be able to be
back close to my family and all of their support. The family medicine
residency at Latrobe Hospital also has a strong family feel with all of
the residents and faculty knowing each other very well and are dedicated
to helping one another succeed. Additionally, with being an unopposed
residency, I will get a more broad and extensive training, allowing me
to become an excellent and well rounded family physician.
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