Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Lindsay Ponto

Dr. Lindsay Ponto is a Primary Care Sports Medicine fellow at UTHealth–Houston. Originally from Syracuse, New York, she developed an early interest in medicine through her mother, a nurse, and her own experiences in athletics. Dr. Ponto earned her undergraduate degree in Biology from the University at Buffalo before pursuing her medical degree at Trinity School of Medicine. She is passionate about combining patient-centered care with hands-on procedural skills and enjoys working with athletes of all levels. Known for her adaptability and dedication, Dr. Ponto strives to provide comprehensive care while helping patients achieve their health and performance goals.

What brought you into medicine? As a single parent, my mom worked as a nurse and became my greatest inspiration. I spent a lot of time with her, often at the hospital, which gave me early exposure to the medical field. I also grew up playing sports and developed a love for athletics. Along the way, injuries introduced me to orthopedic surgeons, and I found myself drawn to that environment. In high school, I took additional anatomy courses and discovered that I had a real aptitude for the subject.  

Why did you choose Trinity, and what ultimately helped you make the decision? I did apply to U.S. medical schools, a few MD but mostly DO schools, since that was what my undergrad geared us more towards. I had a good friend whom I convinced to try the medical school path instead of pursuing a master’s degree in psychology. She heard about Trinity, learned about the MD program, and suggested that we both take the plunge and apply together. She applied and got in, and so did I. I really loved the fact that all the rotations were scheduled for you. I feel like you don’t get that luxury with a lot of other Caribbean med schools. There’s usually a lot of moving around and finding your own housing, but you don’t have to do that with Trinity because you can take all rotations in one place. I also appreciated the opportunity to experience life on the island.

How well do you feel that Trinity prepared you for the Match? I felt well prepared going into the interview season and ultimately received thirteen interviews, which was very encouraging. At the time, Dr. Zubrow, the Senior Dean of Clinical Clerkships and Curriculum, hosted several webinars to help us prepare, particularly for virtual interviews, as most were conducted over Zoom due to COVID-19. Having lived on the island, I felt I had developed strong adaptability, which helped me handle any questions that came my way.      

When and where did you match? I graduated from Trinity in December 2021 and matched into my first-choice Family Medicine residency in my home state at St. Joseph’s Health in New York. I was thrilled to return home after spending so many years away for college and medical school. Matching at the very hospital where I was born, and where my mom worked for thirty-six years, made the experience especially meaningful.    

Where are you practicing currently, and what’s a typical day like? I am currently pursuing a fellowship in Primary Care Sports Medicine at UTHealth–Houston. Each month, we rotate with different specialists, and I recently completed a shoulder and elbow rotation. Some mornings are spent covering athletic training rooms at local colleges, at times, even two colleges in one morning, before heading to the clinic with the specialist I’m assigned to that day.

At least two days a week, I work with primary care sports medicine faculty. Some combine primary care with sports medicine, while others are family medicine–trained physicians who focus on nonoperative orthopedics. Through these experiences, I gain hands-on exposure to ultrasound-guided injections, fracture care, and the management of common sports injuries. On another day each week, we cover a different college’s training room, where we see a mix of family medicine and orthopedic issues. In accordance with ACGME guidelines, one day a week is dedicated to primary care, so I spend Friday mornings in the clinic seeing patients.

This past weekend was especially busy, as we conducted physicals for professional soccer teams and provided medical coverage for the Houston Marathon, one of the largest marathons in the U.S., with nearly 30,000 participants. Some weekends are quieter, while others involve evening games, but that variability is simply part of the field.       

Was Trinity a good choice for you? I’m very happy I chose Trinity, as my time on the island taught me a great deal about myself. Before then, I often relied on my mom or others, but being on the island pushed me to become more independent and self-motivated. While I built strong friendships, I also learned how to push myself and stay focused.

I especially appreciated the small class sizes. Coming from the University at Buffalo, where some undergraduate classes had around four hundred students, the smaller environment at Trinity made it much easier to ask questions or slow things down when needed. Many professors encouraged me to stop by their offices anytime for help, often without being prompted. I don’t think you get that level of accessibility at many other medical schools, particularly larger ones where faculty may be less available. At Trinity, the professors live on the island, which makes them more present, approachable, and invested in student success.     

What was the transition to the island like? It was definitely a bit of a shock at first, but I adapted quickly. I was there to study, and the lack of distractions actually made it easier to stay focused. I also truly enjoyed the people there, from the bus drivers to the cleaning staff; everyone was incredibly friendly and always looked out for us, whether we missed the shuttle or needed help dealing with a spider in the dorm.     

Did you feel supported throughout your education at Trinity? I did. As I mentioned, everyone on the island was very accessible. When applying to residency, Dr. Zubrow gave me some contacts of graduates who had matched in New York, which is where I wanted to match. Besides that, whenever I needed anything, the administration always responded quickly.   

Were you active in any community service organizations or clubs? I was actively involved in the Vincentian Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (VSPCA), which was truly my pride and joy. I served as Vice President while a close friend was President, and together we organized numerous events centered around our shared love for animals, including fundraising initiatives and spay and neuter clinics. I was also involved in Kids Companions, now known as Operation Healing Smiles, where I spent time with children from the local orphanage. In addition, I participated in the Society of Medicine and Surgery (SMS), which provided hands-on opportunities to practice skills such as suturing, taking vital signs, and starting IVs.

Do you have any stand-out memories, stories, or experiences regarding your time at Trinity? I think the spay and neuter clinics were my favorite because they allowed us to give back to the island while still engaging with medicine in a unique way. We would set up the clinics and also teach other students skills that could later be applied in human medicine. It made the experience both meaningful and educational.

What is the best advice you could share with a prospective Trinity student? It’s not the end of the world if you don’t get into a U.S. medical school. I think Trinity is an excellent alternative, especially with all the recent upgrades to the Georgia facilities. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to never give up; being rejected from another school doesn’t mean you have to wait another year to start your career. Trinity provides strong support and exposes you to different perspectives, including the island experience, which is humbling and helps shape you into a better doctor. Seeing how medicine is practiced with limited resources on the island versus in the U.S. gives you a unique appreciation for the field. By the time you transition to Georgia for your fifth term, everything feels seamless, and with the network of connections now available, you have a real chance to match and advance in your career. Overall, I truly believe Caribbean medical schools are a strong, viable path today.  

Have some questions for Dr. Ponto? Join us on Wednesday, March 25, at 8:30 PM EST for an insightful webinar with her! Register here.  

If you’re interested in learning how Trinity can support your dream of becoming a doctor, we invite you to reach out to our admissions team today! Contact us here.