Nimrod Deiss-Yehiely, MD

Bridges Family Endowed Chief Resident

What is your primary professional focus in any or all of our mission areas (clinical, research, and/or medical education)?
My primary focus during my chief year is to improve my teaching skills. Leading morning reports has been a wonderful opportunity to learn, teach, coach and mentor residents. In addition to morning reports, my job as the curriculum chief is to design and tailor the curricular experience for our residents by optimizing the hybrid curriculum, designing the intern lecture series curriculum and constructing workshops. This year I am also working collaboratively on a project to create and implement a video game curriculum to teach the concepts of high-value care.

What drew you to UW-Madison and the Department of Medicine?
I was drawn to UW-Madison and the Department of Medicine by the unique blend of academic excellence and supportive environment. I felt immediately welcomed and supported by the Program Director, program staff, faculty and the residents. I was impressed by the flattened hierarchy, where expert physicians were accessible, responsive and accommodating to the resident’s requests. My experience in residency was unique and only made possible by the flexibility and support structures that have been put in place by the program leadership and chief residents. This department has both the academic prowess and support systems to enable residents to succeed in whichever field they pursue.

What are you most excited about during your first year with the department in this role?
I am most excited about working closely with my co-chiefs and interfacing with the residents. We have an awesome team of chiefs and it has been a pleasure to work together on problem-solving and celebrating individual and group success. I am also looking forward to interfacing with the residents, who have managed to excel despite an incredibly challenging last 18 months. Their perseverance, comradery and commitment to patient care have been admirable and inspirational!

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
I love to travel locally and internationally, cook with my wife (or just listen to what she tells me to do!), explore the Madison dining scene, spend quality time with my wife and family and watch Chicago sports (go Bears!!!). I joined a MUFA league this fall and have been trying to shake off the COVID rust!

Favorite piece of advice from a mentor or inspiring figure in your life?
“Focus on the process not the outcome.” Great advice which helped me re-center my focus on self-betterment and growth rather than outcomes.