Graduate Medical Education

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Luke’s Family Medicine Residency – Sacred Heart

What sets your program apart?
You have worked very hard and sacrificed a lot to become a physician. You have done a lot of self-reflection in order to choose to become a family doctor. At our program, our faculty, residents, and staff strive every day to create a diverse culture that supports you while encouraging a growth mindset. We work with you to help create and achieve both personal and professional goals and lay the foundation for a successful career as a 21st century family physician. At St. Luke’s/Sacred Heart, you are part of a family that works together, learns together, laughs together, and grows together.


Why train in Allentown and the Lehigh Valley?
Please follow the following link for a great review of why we love the Lehigh Valley!
Why Lehigh Valley, PA


What do your graduates do after residency?
We train our residents to go anywhere and do anything. We have successfully placed residents into competitive fellowships in geriatrics, hospice and palliative medicine, and primary care sports medicine. In addition, we have graduates who are working as hospitalists and others who are providing full-time ambulatory care. Finally, we have several graduates who are in academic medicine, including two program directors and an associate program director!


What do your residents think about the program?
Let’s ask them!


"No labels. Teamwork is priority. If challenges come, we deal with it".
-William Ventura, MD (PGY-2)


“What stood out to me most about Sacred Heart was the culture. The supportive environment, approachable faculty, and strong sense of community have made training both rewarding and enjoyable. I’ve felt encouraged to grow not only as a physician, but also as a person, while working alongside co-residents who truly feel like family.”
-Yvonne Velez-Serrano, MD (PGY-3, Chief Resident)


“At Sacred Heart, I became more than a family physician. It was the place where I grew as a wife, a mother, and as a person. This program taught me that it is possible to build both a meaningful career and a meaningful life.”
-Vivian Concepcion, MD (Class of 2026)


"Ever since I interviewed with the program, I could immediately sense its positive and collaborative culture. Now, as I continue through my residency, I remain grateful for and inspired by that supportive environment every single day."
-Patricia Araujo, MD (PGY-2)


“I chose St. Luke’s/Sacred Heart because of the multicultural and welcoming environment, where every background is respected and valued, aligned perfectly with who I am and how I practice medicine. The support I have received from my senior residents, faculty, and administrative staff has been invaluable in shaping me into the physician I am becoming.”
-Alper Olcal, MD (PGY-2)


How do I find out more about St. Luke’s/Sacred Heart?
We encourage you to check out our Instagram account: @stlukesfamilymedicine