DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY AS A RESIDENT
It varies depending on the rotation. We rotate through many areas of the hospital, and the hours are specific to each rotation. However, a usual day in the general OR begins by setting up your room before the 6 a.m. morning conference. At 6:30 a.m. you’ll go talk to your patient and roll back to the OR by 7:00 a.m. You’ll continue your caseload (with morning and lunch breaks) until 3 p.m., when you’ll either change assignments or stay in your room if you’re on-call or moonlighting. If not, then you’re free to leave.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE ANESTHESIOLOGY AS YOUR SPECIALTY?
Anesthesiology gave me the variety that continues to keep me interested while also allowing me to gain expertise and abilities that other physicians don’t necessarily have.
WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE IN RESIDENCY?
Residency provides new challenges as you advance. Intern year teaches you how to be a doctor. As a CA-1, you are integrating your medical knowledge with the perioperative care of the surgical patient. CA-2 year allows you to delve fully into subspecialty anesthesia rotations and gain experience in senior call and ICU roles. CA-3 year is challenging because you are cementing your knowledge while teaching new CA-1 residents.
WHAT DO YOU DO FOR FUN?
I like to travel. I absolutely love to snowboard and try to make a trip to some mountain yearly. I enjoy both golf and disc golf and am much better at the latter.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE UAB FOR ANESTHESIA RESIDENCY?
UAB’s anesthesiology program provides a complete array of opportunities from exposure to every type of patient and the newest advancements in modern medicine to the option of participating in MSHA, C.M.Q., and M.B.A. programs. I believe UAB is constructed to not only create excellent anesthesiologists but to create leaders in the field of anesthesiology.
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS AFTER FINISHING YOUR RESIDENCY?
I plan to join a private practice group in Gainesville, Ga.
WHAT’S THE ONE THING YOU WISH SOMEONE HAD TOLD YOU TO BETTER PREPARE YOU TO BE A CHIEF RESIDENT?
Sometimes all you need to do is listen.
WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE QUALITIES OR CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD ANESTHESIOLOGIST?
Anesthesiology requires a mixture of skills and knowledge. One must have good manual dexterity, be adept in critical care, and have a strong understanding of the dynamics of pathophysiology and pharmacology. Additionally, vigilance and awareness are qualities that are imperative in the operating room.