Faces of U of T Medicine: Eric Coomes
Eric is among 13,500 U of T students expected to cross the stage at Convocation Hall to receive their degrees during ceremonies that run from May 31 until June 16. Share your convocation memories with us using the hashtag #UofTGrad16.
Tell us about your area of interest.
I am pursuing my residency in Internal Medicine, a specialty I have been passionate about since the start of medical school. Internists unravel diagnostic complexity and manage disease across a wide spectrum of acute and chronic illnesses, while simultaneously communicating with our patients empathetically and advocating for their needs across the interdisciplinary team.
What was your favourite experience from Med School?
My favorite experiences in medical school were my clerkship rotations, where you really get the first opportunity to apply the medical knowledge you have acquired to direct patient care. It was fascinating to be exposed to such a diversity of clinical presentations and it was gratifying to develop longitudinal relationships with my patients.
What advice do you have for incoming students?
Explore your interests. Take advantage of the many opportunities available. Read and learn voraciously. Enjoy the experience!
What do you do when you’re not in school?
I am an avid travel and wildlife photographer. I love to explore new cultures and environments, often finding myself at the far edges of the Earth. I am actually typing this answer while in the deserts of Turkmenistan, en route to see the flaming Darvaza Gas Crater!
Faces of U of T Medicine introduces you to some of the interesting people studying in the Faculty of Medicine. From advising political leaders to providing care to Toronto’s most vulnerable populations, our students are making an impact on communities at home and around the world.
Do you have an interesting story to share? Contact us at medicine.communications@utoronto.ca.
