Thank a Resident Day was celebrated on Friday, Feb. 23. It was started by the Gold Foundation in 2018, and raises awareness about the vast contributions of our residents and fellows in support of patients and colleagues.
"The on-the-job experience that our residents and fellows receive here at UPMC not only benefits them in their training. It makes all of us as a health system stronger and better. We are grateful for them and the strong foundation we have built here at UPMC," said Oscar Marroquin, MD, president, UPMC Physician Services, and senior vice president, UPMC.
The physicians, dentists, pharmacists, and podiatrists in the UPMC Medical Education programs are essential members of our health care team. Their dedication, compassion, and expertise shines through each care opportunity and is life-changing for many.
As the second largest graduate medical education program in the country, UPMC Medical Education trains over 2,000 residents and fellows, offering more than 185 programs in 17 locations. These individuals come from around the world to further their training at UPMC after a rigorous interview and selection process.
"Our residents and fellows are key in the care, education, and research we deliver, and we appreciate them each day," said Donald M. Yealy, MD, chief medical officer and senior vice president, UPMC. "At our world-class academic medical center, we empower the next generation of physicians to thrive in today's evolving health care landscape. Together with our physicians in training, we collectively contribute to making Life Changing Medicine at UPMC a reality."
"UPMC Medical Education partners with hospitals, clinics, programs, nursing, pharmacy, and many other disciplines to train the best physicians, dentists, podiatrists, and pharmacists. UPMC is training the next generation of great clinicians," said Gregory M. Bump, MD, designated institutional official, UPMC Medical Education. "Our GME office is so proud of the outstanding care each of our residents and fellows provide to our patients. Our residents and fellows enhance our care and contribute to research, community service, and leadership. We encourage everyone to express their gratitude to them."
Learn About Graduate Medical Education From Our Residents and Fellows
As we celebrate the residents and fellows who have chosen to train at UPMC, we checked in with a few individuals to get a sense of what the experience is like from their perspective.
"I was excited to start my medical training and nervous that I would be moving so far from my family, but I knew that I would find a family away from home at my residency program based on my wonderful interview experience," said Prachi Singh, MD, second-year resident, Family Medicine, UPMC Altoona Family Physicians.
"For me it was a move across the country away from my family, but I was so excited for a new challenge and to be at a program I was confident would provide me with excellent training," said Praveen Ramesh, MD, fellow, Maternal Fetal Medicine, UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital.
Residency is a key component of graduate medical training. While medical school provides the foundation of scientific principles and thought processes, residency is where doctors truly hone their skills.
"We are all here to grow and learn from each other and provide the best care for our patients," said Ji Young Lee, MD, fellow, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, UPMC Children's Hospital. "My favorite thing about being a fellow at UPMC is the amazing people I get to work with every single day!"
"UPMC provides residents with a lot of support and resources to help them become well rounded physicians who aim to provide compassionate and evidence-based care," said Prachi.
"I get to work with some of the most compassionate, smart, genuine individuals I have met in my life," added Praveen." Every day I get to see my colleagues work so hard to put someone else's needs above their own. And every day they try to be better than the day before, learning as much as they can from our patients and from each other."
As the residents and fellows spend a great amount of time together during their training programs, an added benefit is the comradery that forms.
"After Match Day, I was grateful for the residents and attendings who reached out and made me feel welcomed and part of the team even before ever stepping foot in Pittsburgh," said Sarah Smith, MD, third-year resident, Ob/Gyn, UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital. "I am grateful to be part of a program where I feel supported by faculty and to be surrounded by co-residents who are incredibly genuine and encouraging."
"Teamwork makes the dream work," said Patricia Campos, MD, third-year resident, Ophthalmology, UPMC. "We're all working together to improve patient care."