Meet Dr. Michael Hermsen, chief resident
Q&A with the 2026-27 chief residents
Michael Hermsen, MD, MS
Medical school: University of Chicago Division of the Biological Sciences The Pritzker School of Medicine
What does being a chief resident mean to you?
I feel incredibly fortunate and honored to have been selected as a chief resident. I love teaching and have been grateful for the many opportunities during residency to develop and refine my skills as an educator.
To me, the chief resident year is an opportunity to continue growing as a teacher while giving back to a program that has been instrumental in my development as a physician.
I will always remember the mentorship, support, and kindness my chief residents provided during my own training, and I hope to be a similar source of guidance and encouragement for our current group of exceptional residents.
What are you most looking forward to as chief?
There are so many aspects of this year that I am excited about that it is hard to choose just one. I am especially looking forward to learning and growing alongside my incredible co-chiefs.
I’m also excited for the opportunity to work on scholarly projects, including research and curricular development, while continuing to sharpen my clinical skills and bedside teaching on the wards.
Most of all, I’m looking forward to supporting our residents and contributing to the learning environment that makes UW such a special place to train.
What’s your favorite part of the UW internal medicine residency?
My favorite part of the UW internal medicine residency is the people. I have the privilege of working alongside incredible residents who have become close friends, while being supported by outstanding staff and administration who are deeply invested in our success and well-being.
On top of that, we are surrounded by exceptional teachers who make every day an opportunity to learn and grow. It's a truly special community, and I'm grateful to be a part of it as a chief resident.