JT Thomas Barnes, MD

Personal Statement
I have pursued a career in medicine with the goal of helping others, and my family’s history has been a compelling motivator. When I started medical school, I felt best suited to help people through a career in surgery. I was intrigued by the immediacy of the effects of a surgical procedure and presumed that the best way for me to help others was by manually “fixing” their problems. Upon starting my third-year surgery rotation, however, I found myself wanting to know more about the patient’s medical management both before and after their procedure. While I did find fulfillment in the discrete, tangible impact of surgery, I realized that often a procedure wasn’t the cure-all I had hoped it would be. This has never been more apparent to me than now, as my sister is recovering from her ostomy procedure. Despite her surgery, she still has Crohn’s and continues to suffer from complications of her disease. It is her gastroenterologist that she will be counting on to help manage her health for the rest of her life.

Why I Chose Cincinnati
I was drawn to the internal medicine program at the University of Cincinnati because it’s clear the residency curriculum was developed with patient well-being and resident growth at its center. Many unique aspects of the program – including an emphasis on active, team-based learning, patient-centered rounds, focus on having a growth mindset, etc. – give me confidence that UC will prepare me to provide the best patient care I can. After my interview day at UC, I knew I would be more than happy working with everyone I had interacted with, and the sense of community and support among residents made it clear that UC is where I belonged.
 

MD: Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine

American Board of Internal Medicine (Certification Date: 08-20-2024 )

Internal Medicine

Primary Care

Internal Medicine