Abigail Bennett, DO
Meet Abigail Bennett, DO, General Surgery Resident
Tell us a little about your background.
I was born and raised in Buffalo, New York. I attended Nardin Academy for high school before pursuing my undergraduate studies at the University of Pittsburgh, where I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in neuroscience. I then attended the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine for medical school.
When looking at general surgery residency programs, what qualities were most important to you?
I prioritized programs that were committed to resident education, offered early operative experience, and exposure to the full spectrum of general surgery subspecialities to ensure a well-rounded training experience. I also valued programs with strength in robotic surgery and a robust didactic curriculum.
What specific attributes about UB’s program appealed to you the most?
One of the biggest factors that drew me to UB was the Surgery Plus Program, which is unique to our residency and offers residents the opportunity to pursue an advanced degree. The flexibility to dedicate time to research or other academic interests was something I deeply valued.
Can you speak about the benefits of having a diversity of clinical training sites?
Rotating across six different hospitals gives residents broad exposure to different health systems, patient populations, and styles of practice, which I felt was invaluable for developing into a well-rounded surgeon.
What do you like best about living in Buffalo?
What I’ve loved most about living in Buffalo is being close to my family. Their support throughout residency has helped me grow both personally and professionally.
Beyond that, Buffalo is a vibrant and affordable city with so much to do, from seeing Broadway shows at Shea’s Performing Arts Center to cheering on the Buffalo Bills. There really is something for everyone, and the sense of community here is unmatched.
Please tell us about your interest in sailing. How did you get involved in the sport and in what ways have you competed?
I was introduced to sailing at a young age while spending summers at my family’s cottage in Crystal Beach, Ontario. My grandfather and father were both avid sailors, and they first sparked my interest in the sport. What started as summer sailing camps quickly turned into a passion, and I began competing at the age of 12.
Sailing has since become a huge part of who I am. I primarily sail in the Lightning Class, which has an incredibly close-knit community that has become like family to me. I’ve competed in regattas across the United States and Canada, and in 2012, my team won the Junior Youth Worlds in Finland.
It also had a meaningful influence on how I approach medicine and surgery. It requires teamwork, clear communication, and the ability to make thoughtful decisions in dynamic, high-pressure situations, all of which are essential in surgery.