Hi everyone,
My last meeting on Friday was a feedback session with Brian Persaud. The discussion was flowing like a stream- until it wasn’t.
It wasn’t Brian’s fault. He was in the midst of praising my organizational talents—which no one had ever noticed before—when the MICU attending called to sign-out for the weekend. This came as a shock, since I didn’t know I was on call. Thankfully Brian didn’t retract his praise, but we decided to schedule Feedback Session Part 2 for a later date.
After taking sign-out, I rushed over to Harkness for the “Spectacular Spectacular Arts Night” and soothed myself with salami bites, pita crisps, and Cabernet. Nothing beats spending the evening before an unexpected call, schmoozing with friends and enjoying exceptional artwork, comedy, dancing, videos, poetry, and music, presented by the most talented residents in the world.
If you were there, I’m sure you remember the brilliant “feedback video” where the residents read “suggestions for improvement” from their MedHub evaluations. “Work on your efficiency.” “Read more.” “Bring literature to rounds.” “Teach.” I squirmed with the redundancy. I’ve written those evaluations.
Do we have feedback fatigue? Constructive feedback is essential, of course, but it can be overwhelming sometimes, don’t you think? Especially when you’re tired, and what you really need is appreciation. Today is the start of Resident Appreciation Week. The Chiefs and the GME Office are planning activities to acknowledge your work. You deserve it.
So to honor the week, and to supplement the massages, parties and swag, I have a suggestion. For one week, let’s place a moratorium on constructive feedback and replace it with appreciation. Let’s acknowledge the efforts we tend to overlook: Bright ideas. Crisp presentations. Memorable teaching sessions. Pristine notes. Selflessness. Compassion. Kindness.
I’ll start. You’re the most extraordinary residents in the world, and I’m incredibly lucky to work with you.
And now it’s off to the MICU. The upside to discovering you’re on call is the chance to round, yet again, with a phenomenal team.
Happy Resident Appreciation Week everyone, and thank you for the extraordinary work you do everyday,
Mark
PS: Don’t forget to complete the Chief Resident Selection Survey. The deadline is January 31. https://yalesurvey.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6WkY8XqJTylNtqZ
MDS