DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY AS A RESIDENT
Our days typically start early but I try to check emails and get started with some coffee before heading into work. Ideally, I have reviewed my cases for the next day and arrive to prepare my OR and to converse with my patients, as well as the surgery team, if needed. The number and types of cases we do as residents varies tremendously from day-to-day, which is great for training. After I am relieved from the OR, I typically prepare for the next day’s cases and read/study before dinner plans. (I probably eat out too much, but I still enjoy cooking with my wife a couple times per week).
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE ANESTHESIOLOGY AS YOUR SPECIALTY?
For me, anesthesiology provided the ability to care for all types of patients and learn/understand the physiologic differences that each of those groups possess. Anesthesiology is unique in that we care for all age ranges but also see all types of pathology (cardiac, pulmonary, musculoskeletal, etc). Thus, we get to work with nearly every other specialty in the hospital and in multiple different environments.
WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE IN RESIDENCY?
To keep climbing! You are on a steep learning curve during residency and you really have to commit to grasping every opportunity that comes your way. Four years sounds like a long time, but it’s gone before you know it. Becoming a lifelong learner is essential to taking advantages of the learning opportunities you’ll have on a day-to-day basis but also for continued success.
WHAT DO YOU DO FOR FUN?
I enjoy being outdoors, spending time with friends and family, playing golf, and traveling.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE UAB FOR ANESTHESIA RESIDENCY?
UAB was hands-down the most well-rounded program on my list. First off, I wanted a place that I knew, without a doubt, would help me become an excellent clinician, which UAB certainly provides. What sealed the deal for me was the quality of people I met at UAB. I am blessed to work with our faculty, my co-residents, and everyone else in our anesthesiology department; being able to enjoy your work and the people you are doing it with on a daily basis is special. Moreover, there are opportunities for leadership development, advanced degrees, and mission work.
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS AFTER FINISHING YOUR RESIDENCY?
I am doing the cardiothoracic anesthesiology fellowship at UAB.
WHAT’S THE ONE THING YOU WISH SOMEONE HAD TOLD YOU TO BETTER PREPARE YOU TO BE A CHIEF RESIDENT?
Always do your best and, more importantly, take solace in that fact. Not every decision or choice will have the perfect outcome, but if you always remember you did your best with what you had you’ll be better prepared to learn from your mistakes and grow.
WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE QUALITIES OR CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD ANESTHESIOLOGIST?
Even keeled, pragmatic, a good communicator, and someone who genuinely cares deeply for all of their patients.