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AAIM Member Spotlight

Jonathan Tolentino, MD, FAAP, FACP

Med-Peds Program Director
Department of Pediatrics. Division of Primary Care
Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Department Of Pediatrics

How long have you been a member of AAIM?

I’ve been a member since my year as a chief resident of the med-peds program at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. My first meeting was the chief residents meeting in 2010. I’ve gone to Alliance meetings and presented at APDIM since 2010, and it’s been a wonderful experience.

Describe your typical day.

I’ve been the Med-Peds Program Director at Stony Brook University School of Medicine since 2015. Previously, I was assistant program director and a key faculty member in the internal medicine and med-peds at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. My main charge is to work with med-peds residents on overall curriculum and serve as to work closely with the internal medicine and pediatrics categorical residency programs.

What is your favorite part of the job?

My favorite part of job is to see how residents grow from their intern year, and develop into mature, well-trained physicians during their last year of residency. The greatest joy is to see them become the physicians they want to be. That is more exciting than anything else that I do as a residency program director.

How has the AAIM membership been of value to you and your career?

It’s been immensely helpful. The Alliance (and APDIM) is my resource for new ideas and connecting with members of other institutions, for collaborating on projects and issues that could become an issue with my program. It’s an amazing resource if you want to become a better academic physician; I couldn’t do what I do without the Alliance resources. The connections I have made are life-long and continue to grow. 

What's your favorite moment of your career so far?

My most exciting moment was the year I graduated my first group of residents. They still call me for advice and see me as a resource. As an educator, I find that it is both the amount of time and the quality of time you put in to it. Being present for the residents is of greatest importance. For any new program director, you can make an impact and help mold their futures.

What was your childhood dream job?

I always wanted to be a physician; if I didn’t go into medicine, I would have gone into meteorology. I am fascinated by weather events—hurricanes, tornados. My ideal vacation would be tornado chasing. 

How do you spend your free time?

I’m a big runner and enjoy running 5ks, half marathons. I run 5–6 times a week and find it therapeutic and a great way to explore a new city that I’m visiting. I’m a foodie, and I love trying new places. I love BBQ and hanging out with friends and family.

What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?

People don’t realize I like to dance and sing karaoke.

An interesting fact about me is my last name—Tolentino. Each letter corresponds to the first letter of the first name of all of my father’s brother and sisters in order of birth.