Benjamin Claxton, MD

Hometown: Hershey, PA

Medical School: Penn State College of Medicine

Academic Interests: Pulmonary/Critical Care, Public Health and Harm Reduction, DEI, Medical Ethics, and Medical Education and Administration.

What I love about Jefferson: Belonging to an incredible community that celebrates my best days, rallies around me on my worst days, and makes me look forward to going to work every day in between.  From the residents and core faculty, to the multidisciplinary team, to the patients - it's a privilege to work alongside and learn from them daily.  Lastly, it would be a mistake to overlook the location; Phillly is an incredibly vibrant, diverse, historic, and walkable city!

Favorite things to do in Philly:  Eat and drink your way through unique locales and neighborhoods!  Enjoy amazing food at accessible prices.  The culinary scene is known for its restaurant weeks and fun events such as Parks on Tap, where roving pop-up beer gardens are set up in various local parks.  Beyond that, it boasts a robust, small-town feel international airport that allows you to jet set to your destination of choice during vacation blocks.

Michael Dong, MD

Hometown: Mclean, VA

Medical School: University of Virginia

Academic Interests: Pulmonary/Critical Care, Point of Care Ultrasound

What I love about Jefferson: The Medical ICU team and the culture.  Walking across the bridge between Gibbon and Thompson and taking a moment to enjoy the sunrise or sunset.  Working nights and playing mini-basketball and Smash Ultimate on our breaks. 

Favorite things to do in Philly: Getting pretzels at Millie Pretzel in the Reading Terminal Market. Playing spikeball in the Quad.  Late night noodles at Nanzhou Hand-drawn Noodle House. 

Chantel Venkataraman, MD

Hometown: North Smithfield, RI

Medical School: Sidney Kimmel Medical College 

Academic Interests: Hospital Medicine, Addiction Medicine, Medical Education, and Healthcare Disparities

What I love about Jefferson: The community!  Residency can be challenging on so many levels, but my co-residents are always there to support me.  They are some of the most thoughtful, hard-working, hilarious people I know.  This sense of community is also felt throughout our fellows, attendings, nurses, and ancillary staff in the hospital.  It's not a suprise that so many of our faculty completed their training at Jefferson (Jeff-Lifers), it's a place that everyone truly learns to call home!

Favorite things to do in Philly: I moved to Philadelphia eight years ago and now I never want to leave!  Philly has all the amenities of a big city with hometown charm and character.  It's a city of small neighborhoods; a quick walk takes you from the hustle and bustle of Center City to charming Bella Vista, or from historic Old City to a sunset run on the river.  We have award-winning restaurants, live music/theatre, plenty of green space, and the most passionate sports fans you could ever meet.  I love bringing my dog to the Schulykill River dog park, grabbing happy hour at an outdoor beer garden with friends, or trying out a new BYOB retaurant with my partner. 

Tamar Wolinsky, MD

Hometown: Glencoe, IL

Medical School: Albert Einstein College of Medicine (Montefiore)

Academic Interests: Endocrinology, Hospital Medicine, Quality Improvement, Patient Safety, Clinical Research, Medical Education, Physician Wellness, Gender Disparities in Medicine

What I love about Jefferson: The answers you'll hear over and over again because it's true - the people!  There is something special about the residents here. They are not only some of the smartest, hardest-working, and most compassionate people I have ever met, but they are also incredible friends and supportive colleagues - it truly is a family.  Residency is challenging, but having co-residents that support you through tough times and celebrate with you in times of joy creates the wonderful culture here that I am so grateful for!

Favorite things to do in Philly: Philly is such an amazing city!  It has all the perks of a big city - the big 4 sports (go Eagles/Flyers/Phillies/76ers!), incredible museums, concert venues, and of course the amazing food scene - but it all feels so navigable.  There are so many unique, interesting neighborhoods all within walking distance of one another.  I also love the parks scattered throughout the city - hanging out in Washington Square Park or Rittenhouse Square is a favorite warm weather activity!