Q&A with a CHOP Resident: Herodes Guzman, MD, MPH

At Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), we care for children from many different backgrounds — and we are committed to ensuring that our care teams are as diverse as our patient population.

The CHOP Multicultural Physicians Alliance (MPA) includes more than 60 minority residents, fellows and attending physicians who work together to find ways to increase diversity on CHOP’s medical staff. The MPA also advises the President and CEO on diversity issues and organizes recruitment and social activities.  

Herodes Guzman, MD, MPH, a first-year pediatrics resident and an MPA member, came to CHOP from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he completed his undergraduate, medical and master of public health degrees. In this Q&A, he talks about what drew him to CHOP and what he appreciates most about CHOP’s culture.     

What made you select CHOP?

I am interested in providing pediatric diabetes care in underserved communities, and I first came to CHOP as a fourth-year medical student through the visiting clerkship program. I participated in an Endocrinology elective to gain more exposure to the field. The care that the Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes provided and the research opportunities it offered drew me to the program.

It was also very important for me to maintain a strong and stable support system wherever I went to residency. My partner and I worked to come to Philadelphia together. We made the decision to align our career searches to one location, and found that Philadelphia had the community both he and I wanted.

What are some of the things that you appreciate most about the culture at CHOP?

I'm a first-generation college and medical student, so coming to CHOP was quite intimidating for me. However, that changed when I arrived here. Everyone welcomed me with open arms and demonstrated a desire to help me succeed. My peers have made each day enjoyable — even the hard days. My senior residents have helped guide my growth as a pediatrician. The faculty members have jumped at the chance to include me in research that relates to my interests. The people who work at CHOP have made the residency process much easier, and I have great confidence that my career will flourish as I complete this program.

What advice would you give to others who are applying for residencies?

It is important to recognize the way in which you learn best. For example, I learn best when I am faced with new challenges on the wards and in the clinic. CHOP is a large academic center that fosters an environment of constant learning through various means, and my most meaningful educational moments have been working through an assessment and plan for a newly admitted patient.