Shailvi Gupta, MD

Education & Training

Undergraduate: New York University

Medical School: Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth University

General Surgery Residency: UCSF-East Bay

Fellowship: Surgical Critical Care, Shock Trauma Center, University of Maryland

Employment

Assistant Professor, Shock Trauma and University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD

Faculty, Trauma Fellowship, University of Milan, Milan, Italy

What was your favorite thing about UCSF East Bay?

UCSF East Bay felt like family to me. There was always a familial vibe to the residency, including our relationships with the attendings. After training at East Bay, I realized how much autonomy we had as residents. I don’t think many places are like that at all. I wouldn’t have given that up for anything. When I started fellowship in Baltimore, I was initially really intimidated. But after the first day, I was like “Oh, I’ve been doing this since I was a 3rd year resident!” It’s amazing not to train with fellows – you don’t realize how prepared you are compared to other programs.

What about UCSF-East Bay most helps you in your career now?

At East Bay, we start teaching a lot operatively as 4th and 5th years. Many other programs do not do this. So when I became an attending, I almost felt like I was a 4th year resident again (albeit with a few more pointers to give!). Also, we did a lot of resident-run teaching. I spent many nights making teaching slides. While I was exhausted at the time, I didn’t realize how much teaching surgery residents while training helped me out. I wouldn’t have given that up at all.

What would you like to share with applicants about your experiences at East Bay?

Go to a program that “fits” you. East Bay was perfect for me. I got a lot of autonomy and was able to grow as a surgeon. Some people, however, may not do well in that atmosphere. Be honest with yourself and feel out where you would grow most. If being proactive and being involved in a very resident-run program sounds good, East Bay is your place!