Derek Collins, M.D.

Program: Pediatrics
Medical School: Rush Medical College

About Me:
I was born and raised in the Chicago suburb of Naperville, Illinois and attended college in Connecticut at Wesleyan University, where I played hockey and majored in economics. After graduating, I worked for three years at Delbarton School in Morristown, New Jersey, teaching Pre-Calculus and Algebra II & Trigonometry and coaching hockey and track & field. Following my brief stint as a high school teacher and coach, I spent two years completing a master’s degree in medical sciences at Boston University before moving home to Chicago to attend medical school at Rush Medical College. I couldn’t be happier about matching at the University of Michigan for residency and the opportunity to live in Ann Arbor! My hobbies and interests outside of medicine include cooking, trying out new restaurants, reading, playing and watching sports, and spending time with my family and friends.

Why Michigan?
I chose Michigan because it felt like a great fit. What resonated with me most were the conversations I had with the program’s faculty and residents. All of them spoke enthusiastically about their experience – they love Ann Arbor, take great pride in being part of the program, and showed what a supportive environment it is.