Hi everyone,
Greetings from Beau Du Lac, Quebec! Since Thursday, we’ve been busy reading, feasting, hiking, and soaking in outdoor hot tubs. Today, we’re driving to an ice fishing village. To close out the year, let’s list some of the highlights of 2019. Here are my top 10 (in no particular order):
- The residency match: In March, we recruited an incredibly talented, diverse intern class. They’re brilliant, hardworking, and compassionate. Our future is bright.
- The fellowship match: In December, we had a spectacular fellowship match. It’s a testament to our residents’ clinical and research accomplishments—and their contributions to our program—that they were recruited so aggressively to top programs in the country.
- Residents leading Report: It’s been a treat to watch residents lead Morning Report this year. Their conferences have been valuable and riveting.
- Shout outs: I love reading the weekly “shout outs” in the Chiefs’ ChOC announcements, highlighting the ways residents work tirelessly for their patients, support colleagues, and role model excellence. I know the shout outs reflect only a fraction of the ways Yale residents make us proud every day.
- The PEC: This year, the PEC expanded its purview- for example, giving candid feedback to program leadership. In a stroke of genius, the PEC helped improve interview days, advising us to address wellness, clarify our description of the block schedule, and bring dessert to interview dinners. We’ve already made the changes. The unique structure and function of the Yale PEC was recently highlighted in an article by Drs. Schwartz and Lee.
- Mugs: A lovely idea by the Chiefs- cozy navy blue mugs, inscribed with our names and ”Yale Internal Medicine” on the side. Perfect for sipping coffee and tea at Report (see #3 above)!
- Coverage for visa delays: Due to unexpected delays in the State Department, some interns couldn’t start training on time this year. In response, and without complaint, their co-interns stepped up to cover, honoring our longstanding commitment to recruiting the finest internationally-born physicians to Yale.
- Retreats: Thanks to the ongoing generosity of the Boroughs family, we added Fall retreats this year, promoting team-building and wellness, and creating a venue to teach healthy cooking and eating.
- Recruitment dinners: Intern candidates say our pre-interview dinners are the best on the recruitment trail, and it’s not just the mashed potato pizza. Our residents‘ camaraderie and enthusiasm make a deep impression.
- Residency agency: Our trainees live up to our program’s philosophy: “a residency led by the residents for the residents.” This year, there were so many examples- meetings to address 28-hour call, new color block wellness leaders and activities, a plan to provide coverage so everyone can attend Arts Night, revamping the inpatient curriculum, and collaborating with cardiology leadership to optimize patient flow in the CICU. In so many ways, residents embraced the opportunity to make our program the best it can be.
As I look back on 2019, I am so proud of our residency, especially your commitment to the art and science of medicine, the health of our patients, and the well-being of our community. Thank you all.
Enjoy your Sunday everyone, and please remember to send me your “Non-English Happy New Year’s” before it’s too late. The deadline is Monday night!
Mark
PS: Winter pictures from Beau Du Lac (the view from our window and a scene from yesterday’s nature hike)