2021 Resident Spotlight: Stephen Haff

Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I grew up in Madison, CT before heading down to Houston, TX for college and then my first career as a high school science teacher. When I decided to transition to medicine, I moved to Dallas to attend UT Southwestern Medical School. Now, my girlfriend (an OB intern) and I are living our best lives in Atlanta! As an IM resident, I work at Grady Memorial Hospital, Emory University Hospital, Emory University Hospital Midtown, and the Atlanta VA Medical Center.

Why did you decide to pursue a career in medicine?
When I decided to move on from education, I felt like medicine was a natural fit due to the similarities between the two professions. They are both careers where you get the opportunity to help an incredibly diverse array of people become the best versions of themselves.

How have your first few weeks of residency been?
The first few weeks have been tiring and inspiring at the same time! While I come home exhausted each day, I love learning from some incredible mentors and working with inspiring patients.

What are you most looking forward to during your time at Emory?
I chose Emory for residency because I believe in the mission of Grady Memorial Hospital and what it provides for the community. I am incredibly fortunate to be a part of that mission and I am looking forward to working with all the incredible people that make it work.

What is your favorite thing about living in Atlanta?
I love all of the trees (didn’t get much of that in TX) and how nice people are here. I’ve never had so many casual conversations with strangers and that kind of hospitality has really made me feel welcome here.

Can you share a fun fact?
My family always had big dogs growing up and I really wanted to get a dog in medical school. My girlfriend and I got two puppies (sisters!) from the pound and they told us they were labs. Two years later, I have two 20 pound Chihuahua mixes. Sometimes life teaches you to love things you didn’t think you did before.