For Dr. Michael Sorrenti, a 2018 UMHS graduate, a career in medicine has taken him from his hometown of Ottawa, Ontario, to the Caribbean and across the USA. Today, he works as a hospitalist at Cheshire Medical Center in Keene, New Hampshire, part of the prestigious Dartmouth Health system. He also practices medicine in Canada, giving him the opportunity to care for patients on both sides of the border. He is licensed in Ontario and is affiliated with a hospital that's a one-hour drive from Ottawa.
Dr. Sorrenti earned his undergraduate degree in Integrated Sciences from Carleton University in Ottawa before attending UMHS in St. Kitts. After graduating, he completed his Internal Medicine residency at Advocate Christ Medical Center/University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago.
Looking back, Dr. Sorrenti credits UMHS with helping him build the foundation for his medical career. He also remembers the personal attention he received during the admissions process, particularly from Geneviève Gagné, UMHS's Associate Director of Admissions-Canada, who played an important role in his decision to enroll.
In this interview with the UMHS Endeavour, Dr. Sorrenti discusses his journey from Canada to UMHS, the challenges of practicing medicine in two countries, and his advice for Canadian students considering medical school abroad.
UMHS Endeavour: Tell us a little about yourself. Where did you grow up, etc.?
I am a proud Canadian from Ottawa, Ontario. I have spent most of my life there, with the exception of high school, med school, residency, and post-residency. I enjoy running, hiking, and exploring. My wife and I currently live in New Hampshire with our newest family addition (a baby girl).
What inspired you to pursue medicine, and what led you to choose UMHS?
Having type 1 diabetes sparked my interest in medicine early on, mainly because I was fascinated with the “how and why” questions.
When interviewing for medical school, my best experience was at UMHS. The application and interview process felt more personal than others. I interviewed with Geneviève Gagné, who genuinely seemed invested in my education and success (we still keep in touch). When choosing a Caribbean medical school, knowing the school was invested in me was extremely important.
Dr. Michael Sorrenti relaxing in St. Kitts during his UMHS medical school days. Photo: Courtesy of Dr. Sorrenti.
Looking back, how did your education and clinical training at UMHS prepare you for residency and your career in medicine?
UMHS prepared me for all major board exams, which put me on a level playing field with my American colleagues. With respect to clinicals, UMHS allowed me to study in different parts of the country, exposing me to different populations, medical conditions, cities, and teaching styles. I believe this experience contributed to the person and clinician I am today.
You’ve built a career that includes practicing in both Canada and the United States. Can you tell us a little about your current work and what you find most rewarding?
I currently work as a hospitalist and in post-acute care settings. The ABIM [American Board of Internal Medicine] designation allows me to practice in the USA and also makes me eligible for a license in Ontario (CPSO) [College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario]. Canada is hurting for doctors, so Ontario has streamlined licensure.
As for what I find rewarding, I find it very special to be able to treat patients where I grew up and, in the USA, where I trained.
Photo of beachgoers on Reggae Beach, enjoying the tropical waters of St. Kitts. Photo: Courtesy of Dr. Sorrenti.
What has your experience been like practicing medicine on both sides of the border?
Practicing on both sides of the border was initially stressful. There are different units, specialty proficiencies, etc. Early on in working cross-border, a Canadian colleague told me that “medicine is medicine” wherever you go. As I navigated the logistical nuances, this phrase helped relieve some stress with the process and allowed my brain to focus on the medical issues at hand.
What advice would you give Canadian students who are considering UMHS or studying medicine abroad?
Studying abroad is difficult, stressful, and emotional. The advice I received was to have a constant friend or family member at home to keep in touch with daily or every other day (Dr. Last on literally day #1 in St. Kitts). This served to keep me grounded and remember life still existed outside school. To UMHS specifically, enjoy it. Know that at the end of this journey, you will be a physician.
Specifically for Canadians, it is important to make connections along clinical rotations and reach out to hospitals where you want to rotate, regardless of affiliation.
Is there anything else about your UMHS experience or career that you’d like to share?
As I mentioned above, I traveled across the USA and the Caribbean for medical school, but I had the most visitors when living in St. Kitts. I encourage you to spend some breaks between semesters there and have friends and family come to you. Trust me, they will.
Interested in connecting with Dr. Sorrenti? Contact him via LinkedIn
(Top photo) Dr. Michael Sorrenti. Photo courtesy of Dr. Sorrenti.
Scott is Director of Digital Content & Alumni Communications Liaison at UMHS and editor of the UMHS Endeavour blog. When he's not writing about UMHS students, faculty, events, public health, alumni and UMHS research, he writes and edits Broadway theater reviews for a website he publishes in New York City, StageZine.com.
