- Title/Role: Anesthesia Resident Physician
- PGY: PGY-2
- Program/Location: Georgetown University Hospital
What inspired you to pursue a career in healthcare?
I grew up surrounded by many physicians in my family and have many memories of my uncle studying for his boards, learning to read EKGs, and compiling notes. This, combined with my love for math and science, made a career in healthcare an easy choice when I was young. Now that I am here, though, it’s the patients and my coworkers who keep me inspired!
What has helped you succeed at MedStar Health?
First and foremost, the love and support of my family and friends. I would not be here today without them. In addition, the community at MedStar, not just the residents in my anesthesia cohort, but also those in other specialties. Having a group of amazing co-residents who are “in it” with you is invaluable. You learn together and from each other every day. Lastly, my PD, APD, and my attendings for all their guidance, advice, and support.
What's something that most people may not understand about medical training?
The blood, sweat, and tears that go into medical training take a lot of personal sacrifice. We often spend time away from family and friends. As an anesthesia resident, I see many difficult cases at work that affect us emotionally. This can be hard to carry at times, but these are the cases that provide the most personal and professional growth.
What ways do you prioritize your wellbeing and/or help your colleagues do the same?
Residency is a marathon, and it is easy to fall into a monotonous pattern. Outside of work, I like to spend time with my family and friends, as they keep me grounded and connected to the world outside the hospital. When I am with my colleagues during a long shift, I feel it is important to enjoy the small free moments to de-stress. We take walks outside, eat meals together, order take-out, or just talk and laugh during a break.
What would be your top piece of advice for other residents and fellows?
Learn as much as you can from each other. Use residency as a time for personal and professional growth under attendings’ guidance to become the best physicians. Foster a community by trusting each other and working together. Help your co-residents. Even if it is as small as holding the pager for a minute so they can take a break, or helping start a difficult case together, every little thing makes a difference.
What do you envision for the future of medicine in the United States? How do you see yourself in that future?
The medical field has evolved significantly over the years and continues to provide the best healthcare, especially as technology continues to advance. The full impact of AI is still yet to be determined. It is very important for us as physicians to maintain our empathy in developing care for our patients and to trust our training, but AI may be used to supplement our current knowledge base. In the future, I see myself heavily involved in the medical education of residents and other anesthesia trainees by guiding them using the best and most up-to-date medical teaching practices.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
As an anesthesia resident, our job can be challenging and unpredictable. But as I look back on my time in residency thus far, from day one of intern year to now, I cannot believe how far we have come. The opportunity to help so many people in this short period of time is truly amazing. We have learned and grown so much, thanks to our everyday clinical experience and cases, the education provided by our attendings, and the camaraderie among residents.
