Resident Q&A: Tyler Loftus, MD

Tyler LoftusTyler Loftus, MD

Fifth-Year Surgery Resident

Q: When and how did you first decide you wanted to be a doctor?

A: I decided I wanted to be a doctor when I was in high school. My parents are both chiropractors, and I was between chiropractic school and medical school. Ultimately, I chose medical school. Growing up my parents loved what they did, and they had a lot of passion for their work. They loved taking care of people, and I learned that from them.

Q: Why did you decide to come to UF for your surgical residency?

A: A major factor in deciding to come to UF for residency was meeting the residents at the interview social, the night before interviewing for an intern position. I could tell there was something special about this place. The residents looked out for one another, took their work seriously and valued becoming great surgeons. It was the type of environment and culture I wanted to be a part of.

Q: Do you have any specific areas of focus so far?

A: I have research interests in using artificial intelligence for patient phenotyping and predictive analytics. I also have clinical interests in trauma and acute care surgery. I love broad-based, general surgery, and I want to work in academics, so this is one of the areas where you can do both. I also love the acuity of trauma and acute care surgery. I had great mentorship in this division. My research interests align with this kind of work, and I love the depth and breadth of the operative experience.

Q: What is your favorite part about the department’s program so far?

A: The people – I think that’s what makes this a special place. The people that make up the department work hard, they take care one another, they’re passionate about caring for their patients and they value the education of fellows, residents and students.

Q: You recently won the Quality Hero Award for Outstanding Housestaff. What does it mean for you to receive this award?

A: I was honored to be included in this award with Dr. Tiago Machuca. This award focused on quality improvement projects, and that’s something I’m passionate about. I’m grateful to have been nominated, and I am very honored and humbled to receive the award.

Q: What are your hopes and aspirations for the future?

A: I’m happy to be staying at UF for a critical care fellowship and as a faculty member for the division of trauma and acute care surgery. I’m excited for the opportunity to remain a part of the Gator surgery family.