Victoria Nicksic, MD, completed the University of Wisconsin Pediatrics Residency Program in 2021 and subsequently served as Pediatric Chief Resident before completing a Pediatric Endocrinology Fellowship at UW. She is currently an Assistant Professor in the Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes.
What is your favorite part of your job? I love getting to know my patients and learning about their lives. I’m lucky enough to see some of my patients up to four times a year, so it’s rewarding to follow along as they grow, reach new milestones, and experience new things.
What skills or knowledge did you learn throughout the UW Pediatrics Residency Program that you found most useful in your career? Never be afraid to ask questions or use your resources. There is always more to learn in medicine, and things are constantly changing. My training at UW taught me to stay curious and actively seek out more information. That might mean reaching out to an attending or mentor (which I still do all the time!), taking extra time to refresh my knowledge about a less common diagnosis, or diving into new clinical guidelines.
What advice would you give your fellow or trainee self? Everyone is here to help you learn and they genuinely enjoy doing that. Approach every interaction and every piece of feedback as an opportunity to grow.
Are there any courses, professors, faculty members, experiences, or opportunities from your time training at UW that have had a lasting influence? It would be impossible to name all the people at UW who have helped me become the physician and person I am today. Many of the mentors and colleagues I met during residency are still the first people I turn to when I’m working through a challenging clinical question, need to debrief after a difficult day, or even need advice for my own family. The relationships I built throughout my training have had a lasting impact on both my professional and personal life.
What is your best memory from your time in Madison? One of my favorite memories is actually my very first visit to Madison. This was back when residency interviews were still in person, and I traveled here alone for my interview. During the day, I interviewed with Dr. Diamond, an incredible pediatric hematologist/oncologist who has since retired. She made me fall in love with the program. At the end of our conversation, we somehow hugged, and I remember thinking, This is where I want to train. I knew I would find my people here and receive an outstanding education. My now-husband and I were fortunate enough to couples match at UW, and we’ve never left.