Bios of our Rising Chief Residents
From left to right: Grace Chandler, Matt Guerrieri, and Alex Sawyer.
Grace Chandler | Matt Guerrieri | Alex Sawyer |
| Hometown: Chicago, IL | Hometown: Chicago, IL | Hometown: Atlanta, GA |
| Undergraduate: Duke University | Undergraduate: Northwestern University | Undergraduate: University of Georgia |
| Medical School: Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine | Medical School: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health | Medical School: Medical College of Georgia |
| Why Colorado? Like many of my colleagues, I was initially drawn to the University of Colorado because of the opportunity to train at both Denver Health and Children's. The chance to complete a significant part of my pediatric training at a comprehensive safety net hospital like Denver Health, committed to providing the best care today diverse urban community it serves regardless of one's ability to pay, was a huge priority for me when choosing a program. At both institutions, I have found incredible mentors who are passionate about education and career development. Finally, I can only begin to express how much I admire and appreciate the people that comprise this residency. Whether hard at work on service together or out on a mountain adventure, my co-residents are dear friends who listen, make me laugh, and constantly inspire me. | Why Colorado? The University of Colorado gives residents the unique opportunity to train at one of the country's top academic children's hospitals while also providing outstanding, highly autonomous experiences in general pediatrics at the county public safety net hospital, Denver Health. The opportunity to care for the vibrant and diverse community of patients and families at Denver Health is a privilege I am lucky to have as a Colorado resident. On top of all of that, training at Colorado comes with the added benefit of a collaborative, friendly, down-to-earth culture that recognizes the importance of life outside the hospital. | Why Colorado? Colorado was a perfect mix of everything I wanted in a program. Everyone is excellent at what they do and is incredible to learn from while still being fun and down to earth. You are challenged and given the opportunity for autonomy and growth but in a completely supportive environment. Our co-residents are the absolute best and make coming to work (and hanging out outside of work) so fun. And finally, I really wanted to live in Colorado and explore a new area of the country (my interview day was my first time in Colorado!). There are so many amazing things to do both in Denver and the surrounding areas, and it was a great fit for my whole family (moved here with my husband, our son who is now a toddler, and our cat, who all agree living here is the best!). |
| Plans after Chief Year: Still undecided... I will either be pursuing general pediatrics or a hematology/oncology fellowship. Either way, I plan to stay involved in medical education and work closely with trainees. | Plans after Chief Year: Primary Care | Plans after Chief Year: I'm pretty undecided at this point but I am interested in academic medicine/medical education in some form (maybe a hospitalist fellowship?!). |
| Favorite Colorado Activity: Downhill skiing! I also love exploring the many restaurants, bars, breweries, and coffee shops of the Denver area. | Favorite Colorado Activity: It's so hard to choose one! I spent some time tubing and rafting down a few of Colorado's beautiful mountain rivers this summer, and it was a ton of fun! | Favorite Colorado Activity: Picnicking in the parks, family bike rides, weekend trips to nearby mountain towns, and eating out way too often! |