Dr. Leon Michael Novak, MD

"Some activities in life really get you pumped up," says Brian M. Aboff, M.D., FACP, director of Christiana Care's Internal Medicine Residency Program. "Teaching does that for me. I love this job!" He finds the combination of teaching and taking care of patients both energizing and fulfilling.

Before assuming the post of program director of Internal Medicine Residency in July 2005, Dr. Aboff served as the assistant program director for the Internal Medicine Residency Program (1997-2005) and as associate program director for the Transitional Year Residency Program (2003-2005). He says being a good teacher goes hand in hand with being a good doctor.

"You have to be someone who cares about people as individuals, as well as a good communicator who listens well and who can explain things effectively. I want our residents to know that I really care about them and want them to succeed," he said. Recognition for these qualities has come from colleagues and students in the Department of …Medicine, who voted him Teacher of the Year in 2002. He was also named a Delaware "Top Doc" by Delaware Today Magazine (2001-2003).

His faculty and hospital appointments at Christiana Care have included service as director of the Department of Medicine's Medical Consultation & Referral Service (1993-2005) and as director of the Fourth-Year Medical Student Program (1993-2004). He is also a clinical associate professor of medicine at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, Pa.

Before joining Christiana Care, Dr. Aboff served as an officer in the U.S. Air Force, retiring with the rank of major in 1993. He was stationed at the USAF Medical Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, in 1989, where he was promoted to chief of General Internal Medicine Services in January 1990. During this time he also served as assistant professor of medicine and as the associate director for the Wright State University School of Medicine Clerkship (1990-1993). He also was an assistant professor of medicine and the on-site coordinator for the third-year medical student clerkship at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, in Bethesda, Md. (July 1991-July 1993).

"My training, and particularly my Air Force experience, helped me learn how to be a better leader and manager," he said. "I learned the value of teamwork and camaraderie, and that leading by example is an effective way to inspire people to do their best."

He is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Muhlenberg College with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (1981). He earned his medical degree from Cornell University Medical College (1985), graduating with a direct commission as 2nd Lieutenant, USAF Reserve, and a scholarship from the USAF Health Professions Scholarship Program. In 1989, he completed his internship and residency in medicine at Vanderbilt University Hospital in Nashville, Tenn., and served as chief medical resident at Metropolitan Nashville General Hospital, a Vanderbilt University affiliated hospital.

Dr. Aboff is a scientific reviewer for the Journal of General Internal Medicine and serves on numerous Christiana Care and regional professional committees, including the Program Planning Committee of the Association of Program Directors of Internal Medicine. He serves on the board of directors of the Delaware Institute of Medical Education and Research, and he is treasurer of the Delaware Academy of Medicine. He has lectured and published on a broad array of topics. He is an American College of Physicians fellow and member of both national and local medical societies. He is also a member of the American College of Physician Executives. His research interests include medical education and complementary and alternative medicine.

In evaluating applicants for a residency experience in internal medicine at Christiana Care, Dr. Aboff says academic qualifications are important, but the personal interview carries a lot of weight.

"We're looking for smart, motivated people who are also sincere and caring individuals," he tells applicants. "If you are looking for a diverse,