Meet Matt Mirsky, MD

Name: Matt Mirsky
Hometown: Chevy Chase, MD
Medical School: University of Toledo
Professional Interest: Hematology & Oncology

Residency Program Experience

What was the most inspirational thing you witnessed while working at the hospital? The resilience that some of my patients show. A diagnosis of cancer is completely life-altering and seeing how some are able to step up to face challenging treatments and prognoses inspires me on a daily basis.

What is the biggest sacrifice you have made in your medical training so far? Being far away from my family on the East Coast

What trait do you most admire in talented physicians? Emotional intelligence. The best physicians have the ability to make a sterling assessment of the patient, have frank discussions with family members, and also deliver a “chalk talk” to the team…or move rounds along if things are dragging.

What was the most difficult thing during your intern year? Finding the balance between caring about the patients we take care of and caring too much. Initially, I would bring work home with me in an unhealthy way – especially with bad outcomes.

One thing I wish I knew before starting the Internal Medicine Residency Program is how supportive everyone is. From Dr. Armitage to my seniors and the department administrators everyone has an open door and is invested in us as humans first and physicians second.

At work, I always remember to be self-reflective. A daily reevaluation of my own reasoning and if my patient assessment is incredibly important.

At work, I never push back on admissions. Admission Coordinators have long memories.

What is the key to making the best of this IM Residency Program? Getting to know the people. Work doesn’t feel as much like work when you’re surrounded by people you genuinely care about.

What is the one item somebody starting residency should absolutely invest into? Comfortable shoes.

What's the best advice you've been given? It’s ok to sign out to your co-interns and leave for the day (within reason). We’re all on the same team and can all do things like follow up labs and consult recommendations.

A Few Words About Cleveland, Ohio

How would you describe Cleveland to somebody who has never been here? Big city amenities without a big city price tag. There are fun neighborhoods to explore for every interest under the sun and it’s an affordable place to live on a resident’s salary.

What neighborhood do you live in? University Heights (suburbs!)

What are some of the spots to go to fall in love with Cleveland? Love going to museums in Wade Oval or just walking the lagoon.

Best kept secret about Cleveland is the Metroparks! So much greenery to explore in places that you would never expect. Also Asiatown: Incredible food!

Your favorite spot for a quick bite around the hospital: other than the Seidman 3 nourishment room? Wolfgang Puck’s

A good taco: Momocho in Ohio City.

Dinner with friends: Zhug or Vero Bistro in Cedar-Fairmount neighborhood

Great patio: Fairmount

A night on the town: LOL.

How-Tos

Cope with sleep deprivation: Coffee and getting to sleep at a reasonable hour when I’m short/happy call.

Get to conferences on time: Many times the department admins will bring baked goods – what better reason to hustle.

Avoid burnout: Sign out at a reasonable hour on short/happy call. Your co-intern and senior are on the same team and can follow up labs and consult recommendations.

It's a Toss-Up

East Side or West Side: East Side

Staying in or going out: Staying in.

UH or VA: UH. There’s a palpable energy at UH that excites me.

CICU or MICU: MICU. They have the BEST attendings in the hospital bar none.

Pizza or tacos: Toughest question on the page. Pizza…by a nose.

Lease or buy a car in Cleveland: I bought a car during my intern year – first sign that I’m an adult.

Own or rent a house in Cleveland: Own. Yardwork brings me joy.

Getting Personal

On my bucket list: Take a trip to Hawaii

I can't live without: Coffee.

Bad habit: Putting off dentist appointments

If you were given 3 additional hours a day, what would you do with them? Sleep and spend time with my family

A fact most people don't know about me is I used my stimulus check to buy a robot vacuum instead of a Peleton – best choice ever.

When I'm not on call you will find me spending time with my wife and son – at the park, a museum or the library.