Current Fellows

Emily Brzana

Hometown: Hollidaysburg, PA

Medical school: Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University

Residency: University of Virginia

Pursuing Geriatric Medicine: I chose geriatric medicine because it offers the unique opportunity to build meaningful, long-term relationships with patients, allowing me to understand their values, histories, and goals truly. I’m drawn to the patient-centered approach of geriatrics, where care is tailored not just to medical conditions, but to what matters most to each individual. I find it deeply rewarding to help patients and their families navigate the complexities of aging, whether that involves managing chronic conditions, addressing cognitive decline, or making challenging decisions about care planning. Being part of that journey and supporting both patients and their loved ones through these transitions is what makes this field so meaningful to me.

Personal history: I am thrilled to stay in the Charlottesville area, where my husband and I now call home with our two dogs and three cats. We both love animals, and a goal of ours is to have a small hobby farm (with goats, ducks, etc.) one day! In my spare time, I enjoy reading, embroidery, and spending time with loved ones.

Lydia Busey

Hometown: Floyd, VA

Medical school: University of Virginia

Internship training: University of Virginia

Residency: Prisma Health Richland Hospital

Pursuing Geriatric Medicine: I am interested in the intersection between geriatric medicine, health humanities, and medical education. During medical school, I wrote and illustrated a short book, Stories from Home, about the lives of geriatric patients who received home-based primary care through UVA’s Virginia at Home program. Through this experience, I learned about the resilience of patients and their families, the benefits of forming long-term relationships, and the beauty in intergenerational storytelling. Within the field of geriatric medicine, I am drawn towards forming longitudinal relationships with patients and their families. I hope to help patients navigate the changes that come with aging and at the end of life.

Personal history: As a triple Hoo, I couldn’t be happier to stay for fellowship in Charlottesville! My husband and I enjoy taking our toddler on hikes in the area and are attempting to teach her how to swim. Outside of work, I love spending time with family and friends, swimming laps, painting, reading fiction, and writing.