“I am about to enter my final year of residency and I ‘m amazed at how quickly the time has passed. Reflecting back, it truly has been fun. Being a foreign medical graduate, I was extremely anxious when starting out on my first day. I wondered if I would fit in and I was concerned that the American medical system would be different from what I was used to. My concerns were unfounded, as the UIC anaesthesia program is truly a big family and I felt right at home from the start. I found the first day daunting until I met up with my attending assigned to my room. We spent most of the day together, with each case being taught something new and developing new skills. I always felt challenged but never out of my depth as I was allowed to progress at my own pace. I remember the first time I was left alone after induction, I was incredibly nervous as my safety net walked out the door. I came to appreciate the independence, while knowing they were available if needed. Their help extends beyond the OR, not only did they help me find my feet in a new specialty but in a new city and a new country. They were always keen to offer advice on which restaurant to try and what shows to see and things to do around the city. As a result, settling in was easy. The attendings are genuinely concerned for the well being of the residents and are always approachable whether it is a work related concern or something personal.
My fellow residents have truly made the whole residency an enjoyable experience. Every residency can be tough but it has been great to go through it with such incredible people. There is always someone to crack a joke or impersonate a surgeon to make a stressful situation easier. And if that did not work, then there never seemed to be a shortage of residents willing to grab a drink or a bite after work to unwind. This is part of the great balance at UIC between residency and personal time. During my residency I managed to train for and run the Chicago marathon, learn how to snowboard, join the local rowing club and compete at regattas around the Midwest.
I have found our training to be extremely comprehensive; the diversity of patients and surgeries is extensive. I have often wondered where the surgeons find their patients with medical histories as long as the classifieds; as a result I know that upon completion of my residency I will be more than capable of handling whatever future patient awaits me. Should another resident come across an interesting case or situation, they are readily discussed during our daily morning conference, another way in which the learning opportunities of the department are optimized. The morning conferences are not only a great educational tool but are also a great way to catch up with everyone and strengthen the whole family atmosphere.
I would not hesitate for an instant in recommending the program to anyone who wants to experience an excellent training program, with an exceptionally vibrant attending staff and a great group of residents who will make sure you never forget that there is a life outside of the hospital.”
Charles Nyman, M.D.
CA2, 2007-2008
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