Eric Beltrami, 25, of Wolcott, Connecticut is a double-husky who considers UConn “home.” He is graduating from UConn School of Medicine on May 8 and entering dermatology residency training at Boston University Medical Center. He is looking forward to the opportunity to care for the skin of patients of all ages. He credits his success to the mentorship he has received at UConn.

Q. Why did you choose UConn and what drew you to medical school?
A. UConn produces socially conscious, innovative and highly skilled clinicians – it was a no brainer continuing my education at the institution that offered me such a well-rounded undergraduate experience. As a physician you are able to positively impact the lives of patients in so many ways – from providing excellent clinical care to treat patients holistically to contributing to the latest scientific advancements – which made it the perfect career for me.

Q. Did you have a favorite professor, class, or part of the curriculum?
A. Believe it or not, our radiology training was one of my favorite components! We have significant exposure to ultrasound and actual radiology cases from the first block of medical school which I believe improves our understanding of pathology and enhances our clinical training.

Q. What activities were you involved in as a medical student?
A. During medical school I was: co-director of the South Park Dermatology Clinic (free clinic for individuals experiencing homelessness in Hartford, staffed by medical students and UConn Health Dermatologists), a Voting Member of Admissions Committee, and part of Hartford Health Education (health education for elementary and middle school students in Hartford). During undergrad at Storrs, I was President of the UConn Dance Company. I am still a dance instructor and choreographer even throughout medical school.

Q. What’s one thing that surprised you about UConn?
A. The shared sense of pride among UConn students, faculty and graduates, and the unwavering commitment to serving Connecticut communities.

Q. Any advice for incoming students or those wishing to apply to medical school?
A. Seek out mentorship early – UConn has so many wonderful faculty willing to mentor learners. Get involved and stay involved! The training at UConn SOM will prepare you to approach your future role as a physician from both a patient-centered and systems-focused lens, which is so important in an ever-changing society and healthcare landscape.

Q. What’s one thing everyone should do during their time at UConn?
A. Participate in UConn Health’s community service initiatives, such as the Migrant Farmworker or South Park clinics. Seeing first-hand the potential positive impact of sustainable, culturally competent health service initiatives will undoubtedly change your perspective and future practice as a physician for the better.

Q. What will always make you think of UConn?
A. Whenever I come home to Connecticut!

Q. What medical specialty are you entering?
A. I’m matched into Dermatology, a field I believe offers the perfect blend of medical management, procedures, and histopathology, all while being able to care for patients of all ages!

Q. What inspired you most to enter the dermatology field?
A. I received outstanding mentorship from UConn Department of Dermatology – from the moment I began exploring Dermatology as a specialty I was engaged in many productive research opportunities (especially with Dr. Feng and Dr. Grant-Kels) and wonderful clinical experiences (most notably with Dr. Rothe and Dr. Weston) that prepared me well for this match cycle.

Q. What does UConn School of Medicine mean to you?
A. I have a deep appreciation for UConn. I’m about to be a Double Husky and I consider UConn home – I’ve had so many formative memories here that I will always look back on with gratitude. Connecting with other students, residents, and faculty was what I loved the most. The people at UConn are down-to-earth, compassionate, reliable and always willing to give advice.

Q. How has attending medical school at UConn prepared you to be a physician?
A. I truly believe the clinical training at UConn is exceptional. I feel that UConn has prepared me well to navigate my next steps in my career as a physician. Throughout medical school, there is definitely no shortage of opportunities to explore your interests and grow as a future physician here at UConn.

Q. What’s it like to be part of UConn, the largest producer of physicians for Connecticut, and the significant impact its public service has on the state’s health, workforce, and its people?
A. I am proud to be a graduate of UConn (soon to be Double Husky)! UConn produces physicians who are not only knowledgeable and skilled clinically, but also conscious of the many extrinsic factors (social, economic) that influence the health of patients. I believe that no matter which field my peers and I are entering, we are bringing that important perspective which will ultimately benefit patient care and advance medicine forward.

Q. What’s it going to be like to finally walk across the stage and get your M.D. this May?
A. It will feel incredibly rewarding and possibly overwhelming when I realize it’s finally happening – it’s a long journey to the M.D.! I  cannot believe how close we are to graduation!

UConn Health’s Commencement is May 8 at 1:00 p.m. Watch the livestream.