Fellow Focus: Dr. Carter Schwartz

Dr. Carter Schwartz, PGY-IV nephrology fellow, shares his path to nephrology, love of all things travel, and what he likes most about UMMC.

First, tell us about you.

I’m a fourth generation physician and first year Nephrology fellow at UMMC.  Originally I’m from Tampa, Florida. I went to undergraduate at Davidson College in North Carolina before attending medical school at LECOM-Bradenton in Florida. I did residency at OSU Medical Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. 

When did you know you wanted to pursue nephrology?

My father was a nephrologist before his death, so I grew up around a dialysis unit and making rounds with him at the hospital. Once I was in my clinical years of medical school, I began to discover my own passion for nephrology. The combination of acute patients in the ICU and longstanding patients in the outpatient setting provides a great balance and keeps every day interesting.    

What do you like most about UMMC?

The community atmosphere in such a large academic medical center was a huge selling point to me. The patients are a true joy to treat and are generally very appreciative for the care they receive. 

What advice would you give to the interns?

The most important thing you can know is the limit of your own knowledge. Don’t place your pride above patient care. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or ask for help if you don’t know, you’re not expected to know everything on day one. Always remember to be kind to patients and their families. You will meet many people on the worst day of their lives, do what you can to make a positive impact when they need it most. 

What could you give a 40 minute presentation on without preparation?

As my fiancée and anyone who’s asked me for help booking a plane ticket can attest, I can talk for hours about flights and airline points. 

What is something you wish you knew more about?

Being fluent in a second language has always been a dream of mine.

What are some small things that make your day better?

Spicy food, old movies, and spending time with my fiancée 

Tell us something about you that most people don’t know.

 I have a passion for travel and have been to over 90 countries so far and every continent except Antarctica.