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Terence O. Lillis, MD

Class of 2007

My name is Terry Lillis and I grew up in Erie, PA. I have seven brothers and sisters; all but one are still living there. I received my undergraduate degree in Biology at Gannon University in Erie in 1987. I went on to pursue a graduate degree in Environmental Microbiology at West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV where I have lived for the past 16 years. My interests and activities include choral performance, mountain and road biking, hiking, and politics.

Before entering medical school, I pursued a career in biomedical research at West Virginia University. As a Research Assistant, I worked in several disciplines including Microbiology/Immunology, Pharmacology/Toxicology, Medicine/Endocrinology, and Neurobiology. While understanding the importance of basic science research, I came to realize that helping people and using my skills in a more direct, patient-centered manner is more satisfying.

Therefore, I began to explore a career in medicine by shadowing an endocrinologist. I also performed volunteer work with several organizations including Morgantown Health Right Clinic in their pharmacy and assisted with several indigent patient pharmaceutical programs. During these experiences, I recognized that interacting with patients directly was more rewarding than the delayed satisfaction basic science research offers.

I considered several different specialties before deciding to pursue a career in family medicine, but primary care has always been my interest. I take pleasure in working as part of a medical team and caring for a diverse patient population. Family medicine offers the opportunity to integrate basic science knowledge and clinical care. It is a specialty that will allow me to use skills developed as a researcher, along with satisfying patient interaction.

My career goal is to be eventually become involved in an academic family medicine program. I enjoy teaching and interacting with students, performing clinical research, and being a part of innovations that are revolutionizing both medical education and practice. I am looking forward to beginning my intern year and working with the Altoona Family Physician team.