Michael Houghan, MD

Trowbridge Endowed Primary Care Track Chief Resident

What’s next for you, personally and professionally? Why did you decide on that route?

I'm thrilled to be joining the Department of Medicine’s Division of General Internal Medicine this summer, where I look forward to starting my practice in primary care, continuing to teach medical students and residents, and pursuing my research and educational goals. I decided to stay with UW because of the overwhelming support I have received from my mentors within the department to pursue my career goals—I know that I will continue to receive great support as a faculty member. I also love practicing at Union Corners clinic, and the team there makes coming to work every day a lot of fun. I'll be juggling this while also continue to learn how to be a new dad, as my wife and I welcomed our first child, Genevieve, this February!

What are the main takeaways from your time as chief resident (i.e., what did you learn, what was memorable, etc.)?

My main takeaway from my year as a chief resident is how excellent and conscientious our primary care track residents are. They continue to work hard to do what is best for their patients, become lifelong learners, and take care of each other. It has been an honor to work alongside them and try to help shepherd them through their residency this year. I loved having the privilege to teach [them]—both in clinic and in the classroom—and my most memorable times of chief year were when we got to spend an hour trying to work through a complicated case together.

What advice/words of encouragement do you have for 1) the incoming chiefs, 2) the incoming interns (PG-1s), and 3) residents who are considering applying for chief residencies next year?

1. For the incoming chiefs: I would recommend that you use this year to expand what you think your life as an internist can be. Through this job, I have been able to dip my toes into research, curriculum development, mentorship, bedside teaching, administration—all things I never thought I would touch coming into residency. This year is a great opportunity to see if you want to incorporate anything else into your clinical career.
2. For the incoming interns: I am so excited for you to start this medical residency journey! It may be very tough at times, but I think the times of joy greatly outweigh the times of struggle. Our residency program will train you to be an excellent internist and you'll meet some great people along the way! I'm excited to work with many of you in the future.
3. For those considering applying for chief residency in the future: I loved being a chief resident! If you are looking for a way to give back to our program and you want to develop interests or leaderships skills before becoming full-fledged faculty, I would highly recommend this experience.

Is there anything else you’d like to share, whether they’re shout-outs or memories?

My year as a chief resident has been great thanks to my co-chiefs. Amy, Kelsey, and Caroline: you are all incredibly thoughtful, inspiring, and hardworking, and I'm going to deeply miss working alongside you next year—especially the countless hours we lost together in the chief office. I would also like to thank Kelly Lavin, Laura Zakowski, and Andy Coyle for their support and mentorship this year as I tried to figure out and pursue my goals in both career and family this year. And lastly, I couldn't have ever gotten through my medical training without my wife, Kirstin, who gives me more than I could ever give back to her (I'll keep trying, though)!