I enjoyed reading Dr. Felley’s article about residency programs. I had been a resident at a high-powered program that required 12-14 hours of daily responsibilities from 6 am pre-op rounds, operative assignments, post-operative rounds, and educational lectures, etc. My real life was suspended for years while I participated in my program. My marriage was tested and my health was stressed at times.
Then I went into private practice which was surgically oriented, and I quickly realized what a gift I was given. Private practitioners handed me the blade to cut on their patients, under their supervision of course, knowing I had no idea what I was doing. That takes unique character and strength once I became the surgeon handing over the blade.
Residents are vital to our medical system and their experiences in the operating room more than compensate them for the hours of work, inconveniences, and frustrations a program places on them. So, attending surgeons, please take a few moments to thank your staff and residents. And likewise, residents, take a moment to communicate your appreciation to be given this unique opportunity in your medical training!
Howard Zlotoff, DPM, Camp Hill, PA
