Farewell Q&A: Dr. Ariel Finberg Reflects on Clinical Research Fellowship
The Merkel Cell Carcinoma Collaborative (MC3) Institute's Clinical Research Fellowship provides medical students and early-career physicians with experience in dermatology and oncology, with a particular emphasis on translational research related to Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC).
They are valuable members of our staff team, directly assisting Dr. Paul Nghiem and other MCC specialists in guiding patients through the complex process of diagnosis and treatment.
As our very first cohort of MC3 Institute clinical research fellows concludes their training, we invited our fellows to reflect on their training and share their future goals.
Please help us extend a warm farewell to Ariel Finberg, MD, who began his Clinical Research Fellowship in July 2023.
Farewell Q&A
What are your post-fellowship plans?
I will be starting my Dermatology Residency at the University of Cincinnati
What have you valued most about your training experience at the MC3 Institute/UW Dermatology?
Broadly speaking, UW Dermatology has modeled and instilled an incredible culture of continued learning, humility and striving for ongoing improvement. I have been lucky enough to witness the transition to becoming a department, frequent teaching experiences, community involvement and Fix-It sessions among many other things that has exemplified how to foster morale and continued growth.
In regards to the patients I have been able to work with, I am so grateful for the opportunity to work with the Fred Hutch staff and be a part of such excellent cancer care that includes impressive multidisciplinary teamwork and expertise. I will forever cherish my time here in Seattle
What accomplishments are you most proud of?
I am most proud of the sheer number of Merkel cell carcinoma patients that I have been able to help coordinate their care and be there for them 24/7.
Who were your mentors and how did they support you?
Dr. Paul Nghiem has been the most kind, patient, and excellent mentor I could have ever asked for. He met me wherever I was, made time for me, pushed me to think critically about research and oncology care and most importantly gave me the space to learn, ask questions and develop as a professional. I hope to be half the mentor he is to me.
What’s your favorite story or memory from your fellowship that you still think about?
Dr. Nghiem made it a point to celebrate every achievement (no matter how small) which is something that has stuck with me and always makes me smile. Namely, we recently hosted a "graduation ceremony" for my co-fellow Peter Ch'en for earning his MPH.
