Collaboration by Daniele Evangelista

Dr. Daniele Evangelista Leite da Silva, a recent medical graduate of the School of Medical Sciences (SMS) at Unicamp, completed a one-month sub-internship in liver and kidney transplant surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College, part of New York-Presbyterian Hospital (NYP). The experience, part of the General Surgery program, took place from October 21 to November 17, 2024, and offered an immersive experience at one of the foremost academic medical centers in the world.

Daniele worked closely with attending surgeons, including Dr. Todd Robinson, Dr. Kofi Atiemo, Dr. Dustin Carpenter, and Dr. Sandip Kapur, as well as residents Dr. Miseker Abate, Dr. Brendon Bratton, and Dr. Neil Thivalapill. According to the doctor, the team is one of the most renowned transplant surgery teams in the United States, and provided her invaluable insights into the intricate clinical and surgical care of transplant patients.

A Day in the Life of a Surgery Sub-Intern

Dr. Evangelista described the rigorous yet inspiring routine of her sub-internship:
“The day began early—waking up at 4 a.m. to be in the hospital by 5 a.m., ready for morning rounds with the team. During rounds, I appreciated the structured and supportive learning environment, where every patient’s case was discussed in detail, and residents and attendings encouraged thoughtful questions and dialogue. These moments solidified my understanding of the complexities involved in managing transplant patients”.

The operating room schedule was unpredictable, with surgeries often extending into late evenings or weekends. Daniele found this aspect particularly invigorating:  “One of the most exciting parts of the sub-internship was the spontaneity and urgency of transplant surgeries. Being called to assist in an operation late at night or over the weekend reminded me of the high stakes and life-changing impact of this work. Witnessing the precise coordination between the surgical, anesthesia, and nursing teams during these critical moments was an unforgettable learning experience”.

In addition to observing surgeries, she gained hands-on exposure to pre-operative planning, intraoperative techniques, and post-operative care. She also learned about donor organ management, the logistical challenges of transplantation, and the multidisciplinary approach essential for achieving optimal outcomes.

Mentorship and Gratitude

Dr. Evangelista emphasized the mentorship she received from both the attending surgeons and residents: “Dr. Robinson, Dr. Atiemo, Dr. Carpenter, and Dr. Kapur, along with the residents, were exceptional mentors who fostered a supportive and challenging learning environment. They exemplified the balance of clinical excellence and compassionate care that I strive to emulate in my own practice”.

Reflecting on her experience, Daniele shared: “Participating in this sub-internship at Weill Cornell was a transformative opportunity to refine my surgical skills and deepen my understanding of transplant medicine. The program emphasized patient-centered care, seamless team collaboration, and innovative surgical techniques. I was particularly inspired by the attendings' mentorship and the residents' dedication to fostering a supportive learning environment”.

She also expressed deep gratitude to her Trauma Surgery professor at Unicamp, Gustavo Fraga, who supported her application to the program: “Dr. Fraga has been an important mentor to me at my home university. He supported my application and shared in my excitement when I secured this opportunity. I was honored that he visited me at Weill Cornell on my last day, while also promoting the upcoming World Congress of Trauma and Emergency Leagues, which will take place at the Unicamp in July 2025”.

Advancing Toward a Career in Surgery and Research

Having recently graduated from medical school, Daniele is now preparing for the next step in her journey toward becoming a surgeon-scientist specializing in lung and organ transplantation. Starting in 2025, she will join the Lung Transplantation Research Laboratory of Dr. Shaf Keshavjee as a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Toronto. “This prestigious fellowship will allow her to further explore her passion for transplantation research and contribute to innovative advancements in lung transplantation”, declared Fraga.

Daniele’s academic journey reflects her commitment to advancing surgical care through research and clinical practice. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry and East Asian Studies from Wellesley College and a PhD from the Department of Surgery at the University of São Paulo. Her research has focused on tissue engineering, particularly the development of extracellular matrix-derived hydrogels for treating pulmonary fibrosis.

In addition to her sub-internship at Weill Cornell, Daniele has completed observerships at leading institutions, including Toronto General Hospital and the University of Pittsburgh. “Each of these experiences has contributed to her growth as a future transplant surgeon, providing her with a unique perspective on global surgical practices”, added Fraga.

Daniele credits her achievements to the unwavering support of her mentors, professors, family, and friends: “I am deeply grateful to everyone who has guided and supported me on this journey. This sub-internship reaffirmed my passion for surgery and reinforced my commitment to advancing patient care and innovation in transplantation”.

“As she embarks on her postdoctoral fellowship, Daniele remains steadfast in her dedication to becoming a leader in surgical care and transplantation research. Her journey exemplifies the spirit of curiosity, perseverance, and collaboration that drives innovation in medicine”, completed Fraga.

Acknowledgment

Daniele extends her gratitude to the University of Campinas Dean's Office for their support in helping her pursue the sub-internship opportunity, which has been a unique opportunity in her career journey.