Meet an international postdoctoral scholar preparing for medical residency after completing her MD in Brazil
After completing her medical degree at Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein in her hometown of São Paulo, Brazil, Julie Somogyi wanted to complete her medical residency in the United States.
Before jumping into a rigorous training schedule, however, she wanted to familiarize herself with life in the United States. Somogyi was invited into a postdoctoral scholar position through Case Western Reserve University and MetroHealth Medical System’s Department of Infectious Diseases, intended to begin clinical work as soon as she could.
However, soon after she arrived in Cleveland in March 2025, Somogyi’s mindset shifted.
“When I first arrived, I thought I would focus on completing residency as quickly as possible,” she said. “Now, I realize there are so many exciting opportunities to continue learning, conducting research, and growing throughout my career.”
Somogyi’s research at MetroHealth involves improving the lives of those living with HIV, focusing primarily on substance use, neurocognition and interactions with the intestinal microbiome. Ultimately, she hopes the insights she gleans can lead to more personalized and effective care for people living with HIV.
In March, she presented a poster titled “Substance Use and Dysbiosis: Microbial Disruption in the Context of HIV” at the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections. She’s become a valued member of the team at MetroHealth and has been an author on several in-progress papers.
“I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of the CWRU community,” she said. “Coming here has been one of the best decisions I've made, and it has exceeded every expectation I had. I never imagined I would have so many opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute to meaningful research while being surrounded by people who are so committed to science, education, mentorship and helping one another succeed.”
While clinical practice remains Somogyi’s primary career goal, her experiences with research have impacted her vision.
“I see research as an integral part of my future career. I'm particularly interested in conducting research that addresses the needs of vulnerable populations and helps reduce healthcare disparities. My current work has focused on HIV, and I hope to expand these efforts,” she said. “I also want my research to directly inform and improve my clinical practice, allowing me to provide more evidence-based, patient-centered care while contributing to advances in medicine.”
Learn more about Somogyi.
Answers have been lightly edited for clarity and length.
1. What drew you to CWRU?
I was drawn to CWRU because of its strong academic environment and the welcoming and diverse culture. I was also excited about the opportunity to live in Cleveland. Clevelanders are incredibly kind, and everyone at CWRU has been eager to teach, support and help me grow professionally.
2. How would you describe your educational journey to this point?
My medical school in Brazil placed a strong emphasis on academic medicine and clinical research, so I had already gained valuable research experience before coming to CWRU. However, over the past year, I have learned an incredible amount. I completed the Clinical Research Scholars Program course (CRSP 401), which strengthened my understanding of clinical research, statistics and scientific writing. My experience as a postdoctoral scholar has helped me grow tremendously, and I truly don't think I could have found a better environment and mentors for my professional development.
3. What interested you in medicine?
I've always been a people person, so I knew I wanted a career where I could work closely with people. Medicine allows me to help people heal while building meaningful relationships with patients. Whether in clinical care or research, I value those conversations and the opportunity to learn from patients. During my time at CWRU, I've deepened my knowledge of HIV medicine, which has only reinforced my appreciation for the experiences of the people we work with.
4. What led you to study HIV and infectious disease?
I became interested in HIV research during medical school because of my interest in public health. My first research project and my experience during medical rotations in underserved areas showed me how Brazil has been a global leader in HIV prevention and treatment for decades. Seeing how public health policies and research can improve the lives of thousands of people made me realize the tremendous impact that scientific research can have.
5. What was the experience of coming to Cleveland from Brazil like? Were there any moments or things you found most interesting?
Moving to Cleveland was an interesting experience, especially experiencing snow and a true winter for the first time! In Brazil, winter temperatures rarely drop below 50°F, so it was definitely an adjustment. What surprised me most was how welcoming everyone has been and how diverse the community is. Coming from São Paulo, a city of more than 11 million people, I didn't expect Cleveland to be so diverse, but I was pleasantly surprised. Another highlight was watching the Cleveland Cavaliers defeat the Miami Heat at Rocket Arena last year—it was an unforgettable experience. I also can't complain about the food scene!
4. What are your hobbies or other interests?
Music has always been a big part of my life. I love singing and have recently started learning to play the guitar. So if you hear someone humming or singing while walking across campus, it might just be me! I also enjoy attending concerts and performances at Playhouse Square. Seeing Eric Clapton and AC/DC perform live last year were both lifelong dreams come true.
