Residency

Chukwuemezie Kamanu, MD

Hometown: Aba, Nigeria

Medical School: Babcock University

Academic Interests: Cardiology, Advanced Heart Failure, Gender and ethnic disparities in medicine.

What I love about Jefferson: I am fortunate to have cultivated a supportive and collegial work environment.  My colleagues, encompassing residents, faculty, multidisciplinary healthcare team, and even the patients themselves consistently provide encouragement and inspiration.  The camaraderie at Jefferson is unrivaled.  Furthermore, the city of Philadelphia offers a vibrant atmosphere, rich history, and exceptional pedestrian accessibility.

Favorite things to do in Philly:  South Philadelphia boasts a remarkably underrated culinary landscape.  The neighborhood thrives on an abundance of unassuming, yet exceptional Italian, Mexican, Caribbean, and Vietnamese restaurants.  Philadelphia offers a remarkable diversity of distinct and engaging neighborhoods, all conveniently situated within walking distance.  During warmer months, I find particular enjoyment in spending leisure time amidst the verdant expanses of Washington Square Park or Rittenhouse Square.

Julia Palecki, MD

Hometown: Toms River, New Jersey

Medical School: Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

Academic Interests: Oncology

What I love about Jefferson: What I love the most about Jefferson is the strong community within the Internal Medicine program.  No matter how challenging residency may be, I always know I have an amazing support system with the program and my co-residents (who are some of the most hilarious, brilliant, and compassionate people I've ever met).  At Jefferson Internal Medicine, we work hard but we also have fun and support one another along the way.

Favorite things to do in Philly: It's hard to pick one favorite thing about Philly because the city has so much to offer!  I love trying new restaurants and coffee shops in different neighborhoods. Philly has so many beautiful parks where I can have a picnic or play pickleball with friends. The city has so much history and culture to explore.  I enjoy visiting art museums like the Barnes Foundation or cheering on the Eagles at a tailgate. When I feel like venturing out of Philadelphia, I can go hiking at Wissahickon Park or head to the Jersey Shore for a beach weekend.

Brian Schonewald, MD

Hometown: Rowley, Massachusetts

Medical School: Cooper Medical School at Rowan University

Academic Interests: Pulmonary/Critical Care Medicine, Medical Education, Global Health, and Palliative Care.

What I love about Jefferson: It is an absolute joy to work with some of the most incredible, hardworking, clinically excellent, friendly, hilarious, compassionate, and intelligent people that I have ever met, who go above and beyond for each other and for their patients.  Even on the most challenging days, it is amazing to be surrounded by co-residents, mentors, and colleagues who genuinely care and are always ready to extend a helping hand, offer words of encouragement, or grab a bite to eat at a nearby restaurant to talk. I also especially love the amount of autonomy that we have at Jefferson, always being encouraged to operate at the peak of our competency and pursue excellence in everything we do.

Favorite things to do in Philly: I can't say enough about how much I love the Philadelphia area!  My wife and I have been here since starting medical school, have lived all over the city, and enjoyed every bit of it.  It's a remarkably walkable city, drawing people from diverse backgrounds, with a big-city feel, yet interspersed with countless, small, distinct neighborhoods.  The food is amazing, there are tons of delicious restaurants, and the pop-up beer gardens during summer are a great place to hang out after work.  The Schuylkill River Trail is beautiful, and a favorite spot to go for a walk, run, or bike ride.  There is no shortage of things to do no matter what activities you love.

Beatriz Torre, MD

Hometown: San Juan, Puerto Rico

Medical School: Ponce Health Science University

Academic Interests: Medical Education, Gastroenterology/Hepatology, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Medicine (DEI).

What I love about Jefferson: There are so many reasons I'm grateful to be part of Jefferson every day.  I have the privilege of working alongside a group of smart, funny, compassionate, kind, and hardworking physicians whom I am fortunate to call my friends.  There is a strong sense of community and teamwork among the residents, attending, fellows, and the rest of the patient care team.  It is truly an honor to work in such a fun yet challenging environment.  When I first came to Jefferson, I was also very pleasantly surprised by its location. Jefferson is in the heart of Philadelphia, making it easy to grab lunch from one of the dozens of nearby restaurants, go on wellness coffee runs, or even round in the park on sunny spring days!

Favorite things to do in Philly: I am originally from Puerto Rico and lived there most of my life, so moving here was definitely an adjustment. That said, I quickly became excited about everything the city has to offer. My personal favorite is exploring Philly's food, coffee, and bar scenes. I also love taking long walks by the waterfront, hanging out in Rittenhouse Square, or traveling to nearby cities that are just a quick train ride away.