Welcome to our Residency Program

Message from the Program Director

Thank you for your interest in the Internal Medicine Residency Program at UMass Chan Medical School-Baystate. As a proud graduate of this program, I am honored to share why Baystate continues to inspire and nurture my growth, just as Joanne Raptis beautifully said: “Stay grounded, connect with your roots, and keep growing.”

Culture of Compassion and Connection

Our program commitments are simple yet profound: to provide exceptional care for our patients, our program, each other, and ourselves—with compassion and kindness at the core. We believe medical education is fundamentally about love—love that empowers others, embraces individuality, fosters patience and understanding, and reminds our learners that their fears, interests, and goals are valid.

As we train residents to become compassionate physicians who provide respectful, patient-centered care, we also emphasize kindness and compassion toward themselves and their colleagues.

Inclusive and Supportive Environment

We are deeply committed to creating a supportive and collaborative learning environment where residents are encouraged to contribute their perspectives and experiences to enrich the residency culture and the broader community we serve.

One of the highlights of our program is our monthly cultural celebration, where residents share traditions, food, and healthcare practices from a variety of backgrounds. This spirit of inclusion is a cornerstone of our residency community, and residents consistently cite the strong camaraderie and program culture as key reasons for choosing Baystate.

Innovative and Personalized Training

Our goal is to train the next generation of physicians to be leaders in clinical innovation, medical education, and patient-centered care. Our program offers flexibility, allowing residents to choose between categorical and primary care tracks, as well as career-focused pathways tailored to their specific goals. Whether your future is in primary care, hospital medicine, or a subspecialty fellowship, our program provides the distinct clinical experiences needed to excel.

Our innovative curriculum is supported by passionate and highly skilled faculty, who are committed to advancing our residents’ education, professional development, and leadership skills.

Nationally Recognized Excellence

Baystate Health is a recognized leader in healthcare, earning accolades for its commitment to excellence and inclusion. Recently, Forbes named Baystate one of the best employers in Massachusetts, and the American College of Healthcare Executives of Massachusetts honored our commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Our residency curriculum emphasizes evidence-based, patient-centered care while balancing autonomy and supervision to ensure a rich learning experience. As part of the ACGME’s prestigious Educational Innovation Project, our program has had the opportunity to share its innovations and leadership in graduate medical education reform on a national scale.

Join Our Baystate Family

If you are seeking a residency experience that blends the academic rigor of a leading tertiary care center with the warmth and support of a close-knit, community-based program, we invite you to explore UMass Chan Medical School-Baystate. Our program is more than just a training ground—it’s a vibrant community built on collaboration, curiosity, and a deep commitment to the well-being of every individual. I am proud of the impactful work we do here, and I look forward to seeing you thrive as part of the Baystate family.

We Look Forward to Meeting You

Our residents, chief residents, faculty, and Associate Program Directors, along with myself, are eager to share more about our program with you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.

Regards,
Riffat Sabir, MD, MEHP, FACP
Program Director, Internal Medicine Residency Program
Assistant Professor, UMass Chan Medical School-Baystate
Academic Hospitalist, Baystate Medical Center

"Be like a tree. Stay grounded. Connect with your roots. Turn over a new leaf. Bend before you break. Enjoy your unique natural beauty. Keep growing."—Joanne Raptis

Message from the Chief Residents

Residency is challenging, rewarding, and sometimes overwhelming. As chief residents, our most important job is to make sure no resident feels like they are navigating it alone.

At Baystate, we believe the best learning happens in a community where people feel supported, challenged, and known. Teaching takes place everywhere, from conferences and bedside rounds to the everyday moments when residents learn from faculty and from one another. We hope to foster an environment where residents feel comfortable asking questions, teaching generously, and growing into thoughtful, confident, and independent physicians.

We are here to listen, advocate for our residents, celebrate their accomplishments, and communicate openly. We want residents to feel that their voices matter and that they have trusted people in their corner throughout training.

Whether you are already part of our residency or considering joining us, we hope you see Baystate as a place where you will be challenged to grow, supported through difficult days, and surrounded by people who are genuinely invested in your success. We are proud of this community and grateful to help lead it.

Thanks,
Kevin Jamouss, MD; Evan Marzouk, MD; Mawra Rehman, MD
Internal Medicine Chief Residents 2026-2027
University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School - Baystate
759 Chestnut St, Springfield MA 01199