Ife Aridegbe, MD, MPH
Program: Categorical Pediatrics
Med School: Rutgers, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Hometown: Avenel, NJ
Neighborhood: Downtown New Haven
Why Yale? The impression I got from Yale on my virtual interview day was that everyone was genuine and down-to-earth. I honestly smiled throughout my interview day, not out of necessity but because of the warmth that everyone radiated. The Yale Peds program acted like a family. From one of the APD's serenading us with a song on his guitar to one of my interviewers showing me magic tricks during my interview, I realized on my interview day that Yale was a place that creates environments where people feel comfortable being themselves. I also loved Yale's community-centered advocacy opportunities like their refugee clinic and medical legal partnership program. I am so happy to be part of the Yale family and am excited to see our growth over the next few years.
Favorite Apizza: I still have so many spots to try but for now my favorite is BAR!! Just thinking about their bacon mashed potato pizza makes my mouth water.
How do you stay busy outside the hospital? I love hiking (preferably on cooler days) and going to the beach. I'm always looking for a great spot with amazing views. I absolutely love DIY projects, sketching and painting so I often spend a portion of my golden weekends working on a new art project. I try to squeeze in gym workouts as much as I can. Lastly, I enjoy going out for food, drinks and a night of dancing with my amazing co-residents and residents from other programs!