I.M. a Resident/Fellow: Barbara Senger, DO

Barbara Senger, DO
Nephrology Fellowship
Corewell Health Farmington Hills Hospital
Farmington Hills, MI

In which residency or fellowship program are you currently in?

I am in the Nephrology Program at the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Corewell Health Farmington Hills Hospital, Farmington Hills, MI.

Why did you choose internal medicine? If you’re in fellowship, why did you choose that subspecialty?

I chose nephrology because I am drawn to the physiology and logical consistency of the field. I enjoy understanding the underlying pathophysiology of disease and how a patient's symptoms, physical examination, and laboratory findings come together to tell a cohesive story.

Beyond the intellectual aspects, I value the long-term relationships that nephrologists develop with their patients, whether they are managing chronic kidney disease, caring for patients on dialysis, or following transplant recipients. Nephrology provides the opportunity to build meaningful connections while helping patients navigate chronic illness.

What lesson(s) did you learn in residency or fellowship that will help you for the rest of your career?

One of the biggest lessons I learned during residency is that medicine is as much about uncertainty as it is about knowledge. Early in training, I felt like I needed to have the right answer immediately. As my training progressed, I realized that being a good physician often means recognizing what you don't know and having the humility to ask for help. Medicine is truly a team sport, and the best patient care comes from collaborating with colleagues and learning from the expertise of others.

What are your plans for after residency or fellowship? What factors or advice from mentors contributed to your decision?

I'm currently undecided about where I wish to practice after fellowship. Medical school, residency, and now fellowship have taught me that a career in medicine is a marathon, not a sprint. My priority right now is to focus on becoming the best nephrologist I can be and to take advantage of every learning opportunity that fellowship has to offer.

One piece of advice I've consistently received from mentors is to enjoy the process of medical training. They have encouraged me not to be afraid to ask questions or make mistakes because this is our time to learn and grow. Some of the most valuable lessons come from challenging cases and the willingness to seek guidance from those with more experience. As I continue my training, I hope to keep an open mind, learn from my mentors and colleagues, and trust that the right career path will become clear through those experiences.

How has being a member of ACP helped you in your professional life? What resources have been most helpful to you?

Being a member of ACP has been an important part of my professional development throughout residency and into fellowship. It has provided access to educational resources that have helped me strengthen my clinical knowledge and stay up to date with evolving evidence-based medicine. Beyond the educational content, I appreciate ACP's commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth. The organization provides opportunities for networking, mentorship, and collaboration with physicians at different stages of their careers.