Internal Medicine Resident Profile: Idil Aktan, MD
DOM EDUCATION:
Internal Medicine Resident Idil Aktan, MD
I was born in Berkeley, California, and my family slowly made its way to the East Coast via Baton Rouge, La., and Cincinnati, Ohio, finally settling in the suburbs of Philadelphia. I studied biomedical engineering at Drexel University in West Philadelphia, where I participated in the co-op program (working for six months, followed by classes for six months). I worked at Genentech with bioreactor systems during this time; although the work was challenging, I learned that I needed a work environment in which I had more interaction with people. I did immunology research for a few years at the University of Vermont before attending medical school there. When I complete my medicine residency I’m hoping to go into cardiology.
Why internal medicine?
During medical school, at some point in every clerkship I thought to myself, “I could see myself doing this for a living.” But the internal medicine clerkship left me with a feeling of awe every single day, either from seeing a new disease process, learning its pathophysiology or making a connection with a patient. I loved the focus on teaching, and felt like I found my people in the residents I worked with.
Idil (standing) with her family — including her 95-year-old grandmother — in Denetko, Turkey, where she spent her summers growing up.
Why UVA?
I remember walking back to my hotel from my UVA interview, and knowing in my gut that I would love UVA. The residents were really fun, and I could see myself here. And the residents are what make this place so special. We are an incredible support system for one another, and I am really thankful to be surrounded by such kind, brilliant and talented people.
Proudest achievement outside the professional realm?
Being voted by my med school peers as the student with “good ears, better shoulder.”
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Drink coffee and read The New York Times, hike in Shenandoah National Park and visit wineries or breweries in the foothills with friends. And then buy some stationary, write a letter and send it via snail mail.
What’s one thing you always have in your fridge?
Some type of cheese — usually brie.
Where did you go on your last vacation?
My best friend Regina is my travel buddy, and our last trip was a week in Brazil during intern year. We explored Rio de Janeiro’s beach life and also saw Iguazu Falls!
Words you live by?
Certain quotes have been special to me at different stages in my life. As a child, I was in love with the quote from Gandhi: “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” In college and medical school, I was motivated by these words from Thoreau: “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you’ve imagined.” And now, I always try to embody these words (attributed to various people): “I shall pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.”
What about you would surprise us?
I make a mean baklava.