Preliminary Internal Medicine Intern Spotlights

Irfan Khan, MD, PhD – Preliminary Internal Medicine

Where did you grow up? Where did you go to medical school?

I was born in Charleston, SC but grew up in San Diego, CA (right next to beautiful La Jolla) and Maryland. I did the MD-PhD program in Tumor Biology at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.

What specialty/where will you be doing your advanced training?

I will be doing my advanced training in radiation oncology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA starting in July 2025.

Why did you choose UMMC for your preliminary year?

I chose UMMC because of its unique and diverse patient population. I wanted to be able to get medical training that was not only the bread-and-butter health diagnoses, but also explores the complex nature of what our patients go through on a daily basis.

What neighborhood do you live in and what do you love about Baltimore?

I actually live in Washington D.C. and have been commuting between Baltimore and D.C. everyday. Nonetheless, what I love about Baltimore is such a unique and diverse population of individuals and the food scenario just like in Washington DC. I love being able to continue experience that in D.C. and then seeing the newer aspects while working and training in Baltimore.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I love weight lifting, long distance running, nature walks and trail hiking.

Megan Leubner, MD – Preliminary Anesthesiology

Where did you grow up? Where did you go to medical school?

I grew up in rural Tolland, CT, and attended medical school at the Frank H. Netter, MD School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT.

What specialty/where will you be doing your advanced training?

I will be specializing in Anesthesiology at UMMC!

Why did you choose UMMC for your preliminary year?

I wanted to train at an academic center that provides evidence-based care for medically complex patients while remaining committed to a patient-centered, empathetic approach. I believe this foundation will prepare me well for a career in anesthesia and allow me to live out my values, becoming the kind of doctor I aspire to be.

I also genuinely liked the culture among the residents and attendings at UMMC during my away rotation—everyone was so warm and inclusive and excited to teach—and the location is perfect for me and my family.

What neighborhood do you live in and what do you love about Baltimore?

I live in Canton, near Patterson Park. I love Baltimore’s food scene, architecture, rich culture and diversity—it has so much to offer for its size!

What do you like to do in your free time?

I enjoy walking around my neighborhood and the harbor, admiring the charming row homes and soaking up some fresh air and sunshine. I also love trying new restaurants with friends, catching up on my favorite podcasts and cuddling with my cat, Theo.

Sun Gyeong “Rose” Choi, MD – Preliminary Neurology

Where did you grow up? Where did you go to medical school?

I grew up in Busan, South Korea but then moved to the United States when I was 15 years old. I went to University of Maryland School of Medicine right here in Baltimore! 

What specialty/where will you be doing your advanced training?

I will be doing a neurology residency at University of Maryland Medical Center. 

Why did you choose UMMC for your preliminary year?

The Neurology residency program at UMMC recently switched to a categorical program, which allows you to complete both prelim IM year and neurology training at the same institution. Maryland was my top choice because of the collaborative and family-like culture amongst residents and supportive faculties that I personally experienced as a medical student here. Getting to know my internal medicine colleagues throughout my intern year has been very helpful so that I can be a better neurology colleague in the coming years.    

What neighborhood do you live in and what do you love about Baltimore?

I live in a suburb area outside of Baltimore called Hanover. My commute is only 20 minutes with pretty light traffic in the mornings and evenings. There are many suburban areas in counties near Baltimore where you can find decent and quiet townhome communities. But I still love visiting different neighborhoods in Baltimore—especially Federal Hill and Canton—to find many amazing restaurants and cafes. 

What do you like to do in your free time?

I am a person of many hobbies, including hiking, biking, camping, painting, cooking and playing with my adorable cat. There are many decent hiking trails and state parks near Baltimore; I especially enjoy walking on a trail or camping at Patapsco State Park, which is only 15 minutes away from Baltimore.