Fellow Focus in Four: Elizabeth Hernandez-Chowdhari, Geriatrics

I chose the Yale Department of Internal Medicine for my fellowship because this community already felt like home. During my residency here, I had the privilege of rotating through the Cooney service, where I first met the extraordinary geriatrics faculty. Their clinical excellence, mentorship, and warmth left a lasting impression. I was drawn not only to the academic rigor that Yale is known for, but also to the genuine kindness and tight-knit culture within the department. It’s rare to find an environment that is both intellectually stimulating and supportive, and I knew this was where I wanted to continue my training in geriatrics.

My career goal is to bridge academic and community settings in geriatrics. I aspire to dedicate part of my time to medical education, teaching, and mentoring medical students at a local university while practicing in long-term care and skilled nursing facilities. In doing so, I hope to contribute to the development of future physicians and provide high-quality, compassionate care for older adults in the community.

I’m an avid reader and book collector. In my free time, I love hunting for special-edition and signed copies, and my personal collection has grown to about 500 books. One of my dreams is to have a home library filled with the stories and authors I’ve collected over the years.

I’m a big foodie, so I love all the diverse dining options. There’s always something new to try, and it inspires me (and my husband) when we’re cooking at home. We also really enjoy how easy it is to explore the rest of New England. Whether it’s a quick trip to the coast, the mountains, or a charming little town, we love discovering new places together.

Geriatrics, one of 10 sections in the Yale Department of Internal Medicine, strives to improve the health of older adults by providing exceptional patient care, training future leaders and innovators in aging, and engaging in cutting-edge research. To learn more, visit Geriatrics.