Personal experiences often shape the path physicians take in medicine. For third-year resident of internal medicine, Tyler Harte, M.D., moments of grief and loss have guided his journey toward pursuing a fellowship in hospice and palliative care at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med). Harte shares how his life experiences led to his passion for caring for patients during life’s most vulnerable stages.  

What inspired you to pursue a career in medicine, and what drew you to your specialty? 

“Growing up in a small-town Mennonite church in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, I wrestled with my beliefs about the afterlife and what my journey toward it might look like. Those questions took on a painful new depth when, while I was still in school, my sister-in-law — eight months pregnant with twins — died suddenly from peripartum cardiomyopathy. The grief that followed was raw and disorienting. My wife’s family and I were devastated but we didn’t quite know how to grieve well together. 

“Years later, when our grandfather came home with hospice care for end-stage heart failure after declining dialysis, I witnessed a stark contrast. That moment, though still sorrowful, was also somehow filled with love and, I think, hope. It was the first time I had experienced hospice from the receiving end rather than as the physician referring patients away to it. The role reversal changed me.” 

How do you hope to make a difference for patients and communities in your specialty? 

“Initially, I pursued neurology, drawn to the complex interactions with patients suffering from strokes, neurodegenerative diseases and movement disorders, discussing what their own goals in life including what end of life might look like. Within such vulnerable moments, I saw the sacred intersection of medicine and humanity, where fear, loss and hope coexisted.  

“I often found that my patients’ greatest fears were not of death itself, but of pain, of being a burden to loved ones, and of leaving things unfinished. I learned that what mattered most was not simply treatment of their symptoms, but, through our conversations, the reassurance that they would not be alone in the end. Though I left neurology for a more diverse patient experience in medicine, I did not leave behind my passion for the vulnerable moments.” 

What drew you to Reno and Northern Nevada for your training? 

“This program offered a wonderful opportunity for me during my transition to internal medicine during a time in my life when my own family was in crisis. They provided a compassionate ear and safe place for us to move and grow our family. The location, Reno, and IM program itself are like none other — in the best way. 

“UNR Med and Renown Health provided a rigorous yet deeply supportive learning environment that shaped both my clinical skills and professional identity. From early in my training, faculty and senior residents fostered a culture where questions were encouraged and curiosity was viewed as a strength. I felt safe admitting uncertainty, which allowed me to learn more effectively and develop sound clinical reasoning without fear of judgment. 

“Attending physicians and other members of the interdisciplinary team consistently took time to explain their thought processes and involve trainees in decision-making, helping me to understand the why behind decisions. As my skills progressed, I was given increasing autonomy while maintaining close supervision. That balance between independence and guidance was instrumental in building my confidence to practice medicine thoughtfully and responsibly. 

“Overall, my experiences at UNR Med and Renown Health gave me the confidence to practice independently while instilling a commitment to lifelong learning. The supportive educational culture not only helped me grow clinically but also shaped the kind of physician I strive to be — one who values mentorship, open dialogue, and continuous improvement.” 

What advice would you give to medical students just beginning their training? 

“You are the strongest advocate for your own learning; take ownership of your patients and their health. Do not be intimidated by how much others around you seem to know; they are your well of information, and as long as you show interest in the subject, others will see you for the learner you are. Everyone makes mistakes at times; now is the time to get better at not making them by getting involved and formulating educated answers. Some days will be difficult, but you have come all this way, and I promise, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. You will do great things, no matter where you end up in this field.”