We asked our 2016-17 chief residents to share their thoughts on the job. Meet Michelle Tubinis, M.D.
DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY AS A RESIDENT: As a senior resident, my workday typically begins around 5:30 or 6 a.m. when I arrive at the hospital. I prepare for my cases for the day and see my patients to evaluate them and discuss their anesthetic care. After developing anesthetic plans for my patients, I discuss them with my junior residents and attending to make sure we are all on the same page. Senior residents typically supervise cases for two junior residents in the OR throughout the day. My clinical responsibilities usually end at 3 p.m., unless I am on call.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE ANESTHESIOLOGY AS YOUR SPECIALTY? I chose anesthesiology because I enjoy the procedural aspect as well as the applied physiology involved in the care and resuscitation of our patients.
WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE IN RESIDENCY? The biggest challenge I have faced has been finding time for everything I want to accomplish in a day. We are busy and work hard during the day, but between studying and meetings, there is usually still work to be done after my clinical duties are over at 3 p.m., especially as a chief resident.
WHAT DO YOU DO FOR FUN? I spend most of my free time with my family. I am married with two young children who keep us busy. We enjoy visiting Oak Mountain, going to happy hour or restaurants with other residents, taking our kids to Steel City Pops, and going to the breweries in Birmingham.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE UAB FOR ANESTHESIA RESIDENCY? I chose UAB because I felt at home on my interview day. I knew the clinical training at UAB would be second-to-none and I would fit in well with the personalities here. I also could tell on my interview day that Dr. Black was approachable and a true resident advocate, which was important to me. If I had to do it all over again, I would still choose UAB hands-down.
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS AFTER FINISHING YOUR RESIDENCY? I’ll be starting the obstetric anesthesiology fellowship at UAB in July. After my fellowship, I plan to pursue a career in academics with interest in getting involved in residency administration and education.
WHAT’S THE ONE THING YOU WISH SOMEONE HAD TOLD YOU TO BETTER PREPARE YOU TO BE A CHIEF RESIDENT? Do your best to communicate effectively with your peers and leadership, and also keep a good sense of humor with your co-chiefs.
WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE QUALITIES OR CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD ANESTHESIOLOGIST? Ability to remain calm and perform under pressure, think critically, be a team player, be flexible, and communicate effectively.
ANYTHING YOU WANT TO ADD? Thank you to my co-chiefs, Chris Blakely and Michael Chestnut, for making our time as chiefs enjoyable. It has been an honor to serve as chief alongside these two physicians, who will undoubtedly be leaders and advocates for our specialty.