Brian Lynch, M.S. ’13, M.D. ’17, is Inspired by His Son to Specialize in Pediatric Orthopedics
After Earning Both His M.S. And M.D. At The College, Dr. Lynch Wants To Specialize In Pediatric Orthopedics To Help Children Who Need Treatment Similar To His Son
Brian Lynch M.S.’13, M.D.’17, was pondering where to continue his education after graduating from Stony Brook University, when a friend mentioned how much he was enjoying the Master of Science program at New York Medical College (NYMC). The stars aligned, as Dr. Lynch’s wife—a Valhalla native—was also looking to return to the Westchester area and earn her master’s degree, so he decided to attend NYMC. Dr. Lynch enjoyed the NYMC faculty and community so much while earning his Master of Science (M.S.) in microbiology and immunology, that when he decided to apply medical school, NYMC was his top choice. Now chief resident in orthopedics at Stony Brook University, he is set to begin a fellowship in pediatric orthopedics at Duke University in the summer, which was inspired in large part by his infant son’s recovery from spinal surgery. Dr. Lynch reflected on the impact his time at the College had on him.
What inspired you to pursue your master’s degree and medical degree at NYMC?
After my undergraduate studies I knew I wanted to continue my education. I had a good friend who was completing his master’s degree at NYMC and had been having a great experience. He had nothing but good things to say. My wife grew up in Valhalla, which was a funny coincidence, and was planning on going back home to Westchester to complete her master’s degree. The master’s program at NYMC seemed like the perfect next step for me. As a student in the master’s program in microbiology and immunology, I enjoyed the engaging faculty and exceptional facilities. I studied in a lab with Dr. Dana Mordue [Ph.D., associate professor of pathology, microbiology and immunology], which was an amazing opportunity and I knew I wanted to work helping people as a healthcare provider. I began volunteering at Westchester Medical Center (WMC) which reinforced my decision to become a physician. I decided to take my MCATs and applied to medical school. I will never forget when I received my acceptance letter to the NYMC School of Medicine. It remains one of the top moments in my life.
What drove your interest in pursuing a residency in orthopedics? What would be your dream career in the future?
I first became interested in orthopedics after my dad had an accident and sustained multiple fractures while I was working on my master’s degree. I attended appointments with him and gained much respect and appreciation for the specialty. Between my first and second year of medical school I worked on research in the WMC Department of Orthopedics. At that point, I knew that orthopedics was the field for me. My dream career is to work at an academic center where I could teach residents while continuing my research in order to provide better care for my patients.
What have you found most interesting or rewarding about your residency in orthopedics?
The ability to help patients, especially trauma patients, has been especially rewarding. As an orthopedist in trauma cases, you often meet your patients in one of the worst times of their life. We have the ability to help treat their injury and get them along in their recovery and watch them progress. Additionally, I have enjoyed teaching and mentoring the junior residents.
What do you use as your motivating factors as you progress through your career?
My wife, who has been my constant source of support, and my son are motivation. My son had spine surgery when he was an infant and was also treated for clubfoot. We stayed in the hospital’s pediatric intensive care unit with him, and it was this experience that played a large part in my career path and my decision to complete a fellowship in pediatric orthopedics at Duke. I see my son in all my patients and as a parent, I relate to the parents of my patients.
What are some fond memories of your time at NYMC? Did any professors play a large role in your time here?
NYMC provided my first experiences treating and interacting with patients and those are some of my fondest memories. That being said, I enjoyed performing in the culture show, attending events and making lifelong friends. All of the professors were amazing. In particular, Dr. Mordue and Dr. Kenneth Lerea [Ph.D., associate professor of cell biology and anatomy] played a large role, not only in my education, but in my growth as a doctor. Dr. Mordue was the first educator I met at NYMC and from our first meeting on she was one of the most supportive and caring educators I have ever had. Dr. Lerea is one of the biggest advocates for his students at NYMC and will do whatever he can to help them succeed. I would not be the person I am today without the support and my experience at NYMC.