In this month’s Resident Spotlight, we feature Darya Herscovici, MD, a third-year Internal Medicine Resident on the Research track at UMass Chan. We recently caught up with Dr. Herscovici to learn more about her clinical and research interests, why she chose UMass Chan for residency, and her favorite things to do around Worcester.      

Hometown? 
Framingham, MA  

What are your clinical and research interests?   
My clinical interests are within hepatology, with a particular focus on metabolic liver disease, obesity, and the nutritional and structural factors that drive liver disease progression. I enjoy caring for diverse patient populations and approaching liver disease through a multidisciplinary lens that addresses the behavioral, cultural, and socioeconomic barriers that shape health outcomes. My research has largely focused on the intersection of obesity and liver disease, including work on how nutrition knowledge, eating behaviors, and socioeconomic status influence weight loss outcomes and nutrition optimization in patients awaiting liver transplant.   

Are you involved in any other groups or activities at UMass Chan that you’d like to highlight? 
I love being a leader of our Women in Medicine group; it has been a great way to find mentors who are successfully balancing clinical work, research, and families. My favorite event we’ve planned so far was a wine and cheese night at Dr. Murphy’s house last fall, where we had over 40 trainees and faculty members attend! I have also been involved in the Diversity Action Council; we recently delivered a Grand Rounds to the Department of Medicine on provider-patient language concordance and supporting interpreter partnerships. I am also part of the research track and have had the opportunity to work with multiple gastroenterology and hepatology faculty on research projects within the department. I’ve also enjoyed being part of the Longitudinal Preceptor Program at UMass, where I mentor first and second-year medical students through their very first clinical encounters.   

What makes UMass Chan a great place for your residency?  
UMass offers exceptional clinical training. I am fortunate to be exposed to a variety of subspecialties and to have cared for some of the sickest patients in the region, including those on our liver transplants, advanced heart failure, and bone marrow transplantation services. The environment is equally supportive of career development. I have been mentored across many dimensions of my personal and professional life and have received support to present my research at multiple national conferences. This year, I was honored to receive the AASLD Foundation Emerging Liver Scholars Award, an opportunity made possible through the guidance of my mentor, Dr. Feld.  

Favorite Hobbies? 
Outside of medicine, I love to travel! My favorite trip to date was Japan, a place that I think about going back to daily! Closer to home, nothing beats a New England summer. My family spends as much time as possible at our favorite beaches in Ogunquit and Falmouth, and trying all the best local ice cream shops. When it gets cold, I enjoy staying active with Peloton classes, a lifesaver for fitting movement into our busy schedules!  

Favorite thing to do in Worcester/Worcester area?  
Worcester has so many fun things to do! I love kayaking on Lake Quinsigamond, catching a WooSox game, and spending an afternoon at Tower Hill Botanical Garden; they also host lots of wonderful events throughout the year. For a fun night out, Freeplay Barcade has been my go-to even as a medical student here. Worcester also has a great food scene; my favorite spots are Desi Bar and Grill for their lunch buffet and Baba Sushi when I need my Japanese food fix!   

In your spare time, what TV show do you binge?  
Gilmore Girls, it’s the ultimate New England-themed comfort show.   

Favorite guilty pleasure snack?   
Frozen yogurt with as many toppings that can physically fit in the cup.   

What song/artist do you hope comes on first when you press random play on your playlist?  
I am a devoted Taylor Swift fan, my favorite album of hers is Fearless!