![Connor Dean](/sites/default/files/styles/square_crop_scale/public/2024-07/connor_dean_300x300.jpg?h=6c83441f&itok=0TOZwLC9)
Start Year: 2024
BASICS
Hometown
Greensboro, NC
Where did you attend college/university?
Duke University
Where did you attend medical school?
Wake Forest University School of Medicine
REFLECTIONS ON THE DUKE PROGRAM
What were you looking for in a residency program?
A supportive learning environment with attendings and upper levels who want to make sure that interns are prepared for increased responsibilities/independence as they learn and grow over 3 years. Time to explore subspecialties and mentorship in those areas. Class camaraderie and dedication to each other's wellbeing.
What do you want to get involved in at Duke that particularly interests you?
I would like to get involved with medical education with a future career likely in a larger academic hospital, volunteering in the community (sports/education), and research opportunities that can be more focused once I explore subspecialties (adolescent medicine/allergy/other).
What are the strengths of the Duke program?
The strengths are a high level of acuity and exposure to wide breath of pathologies and demographic backgrounds, opportunities to explore subspecialties, reputation of program in the greater US, and longitudinal mentorship.
MORE ABOUT THE RESIDENT
What's best about living in Durham and the Triangle?
There is a good balance of city/outdoor activities (and awesome disc golf), a great food scene, lots of community (and college/pro) sports, the beach is pretty close for weekend trips, and solid employment opportunities for spouses/partners in many different areas.
What advice would you give about moving to Durham?
You can't really go wrong with living in apartments anywhere from downtown to 9th street area. Erwin road is ok. American Village is a good option for townhomes. South Durham closer to Chapel hill along 501 – I don't know as much about but I've heard is nice as well. I would avoid any apartment that made your commute to the hospital have to get on 147 (or 85/40) for more than 10 minutes or so.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Ultimate frisbee, Disc golf, running, lifting, board games/card games, cooking and occasionally baking, exploring food scene, hiking sometimes, spending time with fiancé.
What is something interesting/surprising about you?
I've played a ton of league ultimate frisbee and disc golf over the last 3 years but had really never heard of either sport before starting medical school.