Fellow Focus in Four: Natalie deQuillfeldt, Addiction Medicine

I chose a career in medicine because of the community and family experiences that shaped me growing up. As a child of Guyanese immigrants in Queens, NY, I often saw how limited access to primary care affected people in my neighborhood. Many struggled to manage chronic conditions or understand their health, not because they lacked motivation, but because the resources and support were limited. When my mother suffered a life-altering stroke at the age of 46, I saw firsthand how overwhelming it can be for patients and their families to navigate the healthcare system. That experience made me realize how important it is for physicians not only to treat illness, but also to guide and support people through those challenges. It inspired me to pursue a path where I could help patients better understand their health, feel empowered to employ lifestyle changes, and work alongside them to address the psychosocial factors that shape their overall well-being.

The Program in Addiction Medicine at Yale truly embodies the harm reduction principles that drew me to the field. Training in a diverse city allows me to work with patients from many different backgrounds and to appreciate the complexity of their lived experiences. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from world-renowned faculty whose leadership in patient care, medical education, research, and advocacy continues to move the field forward. Just as importantly, I am grateful to train alongside co-fellows who share a deep commitment to providing compassionate, dignified care to people living with substance use disorders.

My path to Yale began at the University of Arizona in Tucson, where I attended medical school, followed by residency training at the University of Colorado. During my third year of residency, I discovered my passion for Addiction Medicine while working on the inpatient consult service. I stayed on for a chief year while applying for fellowship, which gave me the chance to deepen my clinical and leadership skills. Along the way, I met Yale faculty and fellows at the annual American Society of Addiction Medicine conference, and I immediately felt a strong sense of connection—their passion and collegiality made me realize I had found “my people.”

In 5 years, I see myself practicing in a primary care setting with a focus on addiction medicine and reproductive health, while also continuing to grow as an educator by teaching medical students and residents. I hope to be involved in curriculum development and begin building a role as a mentor to trainees. In 10 years, I aspire to hold a leadership position in academic medicine that allows me to integrate patient care, education, and advocacy. I would like to expand mentorship opportunities, particularly for students and residents who are the first in their families to pursue medicine, and contribute to shaping more inclusive and supportive training environments. Overall, my career goal is to combine comprehensive care with medical education and mentorship while also empowering the next generation of physicians to do the same.

I’ve trained in the Indian classical dance styles of Bharatnatyam and Kuchipudi since I was 9 years old. I completed my Rangapravesham, or dance graduation, at 15 and went on to teach for several years before college. At Stony Brook University, I helped form the school’s first Indian classical dance team, which is still active today. Dance has been such an important part of my life as it not only connected me to my culture, but also taught me discipline and resilience.

The Department of Internal Medicine at Yale School of Medicine is among the nation's premier departments, bringing together an elite cadre of clinicians, investigators, educators, and staff in one of the world's top medical schools. To learn more, visit Internal Medicine.