Alondra Pastor Calcano, MD

I first heard about UB when I visited Buffalo during the winter of 2022 with my fiancé’s mother’s side of the family, who are from the area.

As for the neurology residency program, one of my mentors back home in Puerto Rico mentioned it to me. He had completed his residency in Massachusetts and told me that even then, he was hearing about the great advances being made in the neurology world by the people at UB.

One of the main factors that attracted me was the sense of community and belonging I felt. Coming from a tropical island, visiting Buffalo in the winter was a completely new experience, yet it gave me a warm and welcoming feeling.

During interview season, what stood out for me was the way the residents interacted with such ease and how they supported one another, like a close family.

In addition to having family in the area, I genuinely felt accepted and comfortable at UB, which made it feel like the right place to continue my training and grow as a physician.

I love my team! I feel incredibly fortunate and blessed to be surrounded by such supportive and caring co-residents, many of whom I now consider my family.

Despite our demanding schedules, we always make time to enjoy each other’s company, whether it’s celebrating holidays, sharing laughs, or just relaxing together after a long day.

This strong sense of camaraderie makes the work environment feel uplifting rather than exhausting. I know I can rely on my team at any hour, and that level of support creates a truly positive atmosphere in our department. 

Despite the inevitable challenges that come with residency, I’ve felt that UB truly listens to its residents. The leadership truly values resident feedback and is proactive in making changes that benefit us.

That kind of responsiveness and support has made a meaningful difference in my journey so far, and it reaffirms that I’m in the right place to grow both personally and professionally.