Second-Year Residents

Gabrielle Beck, DO

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Medical School: Saint Francis University, Loretto, PA

Undergraduate: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie, PA

When I was exploring residency programs, I was looking for a program where I would be supported in growing both as a resident and as a person outside of medicine. I was in search of an unopposed family medicine program that wouldprepare me to practice the full scope of family medicine in rural communities. I also knew that my horse and dog would be going with me wherever I went, so I was looking for a community and location that would suit them, as well.

I did not have the opportunity to rotate at Latrobe as a medical student, but when I arrived for my interview and saw the community among the residents and the way that Dr. Semelka and the other faculty valued their well-being, I knew this program would be at the top of my list. It quickly became clear that the values of the program aligned with my own. I also appreciated the way that the program leadership looked out for the residents. Residency is hard no matter where you go, but I could tell that this program was committed to supporting their residents in every possible way. From providing affordable housing right across the street from the hospital to valuing resident input in creating fair and manageable schedules, I felt that this program truly cared about the well-being of the residents. I'm looking forward to starting the next chapter of my training in a community that supports me both as a resident and as a person.

Luke Egan, MD

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Medical School: Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA

Undergraduate: Saint Vincent College, Latrobe, PA

When considering a family medicine residency program, Latrobe Hospital made the choice very easy and obvious for me. I was fortunate enough to do multiple rotations with the Latrobe Family Medicine Program as a student, and from the first day I walked in everyone was extremely welcoming and eager to teach. The attendings and staff were inspiring and embodied all of the aspects that make family medicine such an important specialty. Not only that, but everyone involved with the program had a deep sense of caring towards their patients and fellow colleagues. The camaraderie between residents and faculty was a huge drawing point to me that I didn't get the sense of at other programs.

As an added bonus to me, the program is located just down the road from my hometown of North Huntingdon, and my Alma Mater at Saint Vincent College. One of the biggest draws to the program for me was to be able to return back to the area and provide for the community that helped get me to where I am today. I'm excited to start working with the Latrobe Family Medicine Residency, and look forward to working with the local community as I further my career as a Family Physician.

Josh Loucks, MD

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Medical School: University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX

Undergraduate: Texas A & M University, College Station, TX

From the moment I read about the Latrobe Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program and subsequently interviewed with the program leadership, faculty, and residents, I knew it was the program for me. The environment created by staff and faculty puts a focus on education and well-being, while also pushing the residents to become the best physicians possible. Furthermore, the convenience of the nearby residency housing and parking can't be understated.

Latrobe may not be close to where I grew up in Houston, TX, but it is a remarkable community that felt like home as soon as I arrived. The family-like atmosphere, beautiful surrounding areas, and fantastic climate combine to make this Family Medicine Residency an unbeatable opportunity.

Taylor Matlas, DO

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Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Greensburg PA

Undergraduate: Grove City College, Grove City, PA

When ranking programs for residency, Latrobe Family Medicine stood out as the one that emphasized the importance of great character and morality in medicine. On my interview day, the faculty stressed that the greatest attributes of their program were the standards they have set, and the people involved. Their selection criteria highlighted their goal of wanting to train ethically sound, humble, driven individuals who realize they have a great responsibility to the community as physicians. Everything about the program, but especially the people and their mission statement, is what made me eager to join.

As someone who grew up in Mt. Pleasant, PA, I appreciate the role of healthcare in more rural areas. To have the ability to serve Mt. Pleasant in an outpatient setting, and serve Latrobe and Greensburg in the hospital setting, brings me great joy. I feel blessed to have found a program that I know will turn me into the best Family Physician I can be - and I am thrilled to spend my next three years here.

Lauren Nord, MD

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Medical School: Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA

Undergraduate: Allegheny College, Meadville, PA

I am so excited to join Latrobe Hospital's Family Medicine residency program. From my first on-site visit to all of the events and communications from Dr. Semelka (our program director) and Melissa (our program coordinator), I've been consistently impressed by how thoughtful and generous this program is to its residents. Every attending, resident, and staff member I've encountered at Latrobe Hospital has made me feel like family -- and, speaking of, everyone's family I've met through Latrobe's (many) social events are just as supportive!

One of the things I love most about Latrobe's program is their dedication to tailoring each resident's education to their career goals and interests. I have always been passionate about women's health and have a background in Obstetrics & Gynecology. As my goals and interests have shifted during the early years of my medical career, attendings like Dr. Trimeloni have modeled for me the kind of practice I want to provide for my patients. I am so lucky to be in a place where not only is the work culture outstanding, but I'm also surrounded by a team with an inspiring range of experience and training.

The Latrobe Family Medicine program values and celebrates the unique backgrounds of its residents and staff, which I think is one of the secrets to its success. Their attention to work-life balance and resident wellness (with a heavy emphasis on dog ownership) was the icing on the residency cake for me. I'm so excited to be a part of the team!

Allison Silber, DO

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Medical School: West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, Lewisburg, WV

Undergraduate: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

I am thrilled to be in Latrobe because it is an unopposed Family Medicine Residency in a small town near mountains and skiing. But more so, it just felt like home when I visited for my interview. I had never been to or heard of the area, as I grew up in Maryland, but I was pleasantly surprised that it was exactly what I was looking for in a town: small, mountains with ski hills nearby, but still close to a larger area.

During my interview, I enjoyed all of my conversations, learning about the program’s supportive atmosphere and flexible curriculum, and meeting so many amazing faculty and residents. They promote work-life balance and having a great lifestyle while still working hard to learn and train, which to me is incredibly important. I felt that I would be encouraged to learn and pursue my passion of being a well rounded small town family medicine physician who can do a variety, including OMM. I know I will be pushed but also supported and they will help mold me into a fantastic family medicine physician. I am so thrilled to be training here and to call Latrobe my next home.

Joshua Sokolowski, DO

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Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Greensburg, PA

Undergraduate: University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA

The Family Medicine Residency at Latrobe Hospital was attractive to me for several reasons. First, having completed a surgical internship year at a city-based level one trauma center made me realize how much I missed a more rural setting. Latrobe is far enough from Pittsburgh to enjoy the natural beauty of Western Pennsylvania, but close enough for a fun weekend trip into the city. Second, having an unopposed residency provides more interaction with faculty, more first-hand experiences, and more clinical autonomy. After meeting the current residents and several graduates, it is apparent that the training received at Latrobe builds confident, caring, and clinically competent physicians. Third, Latrobe has been graduating a diversity of family medicine physicians for over forty-five years. Some choose to stay as in Latrobe or the surrounding area while others choose specialty fellowship training, such as geriatric medicine or sports medicine.

The faculty is truly what makes this program stand out. They are genuinely invested in the success of their residents and that is evident from the very first time you meet them. This is not a program where you can just float through three years unnoticed and receive a diploma. You are expected to show up every day, be an active participant in the learning process, demonstrate excellence in clinical care, and grow as a person and physician.