THE OFFICIAL NEWS PUBLICATION OF THE VIRGINIA ORTHOPAEDIC SOCIETY
CONTENTS OF THIS ISSUE
Winter 2020 Issue
Resident Forum: A Note to Our Chiefs, From Your Juniors
By Alyssa Althoff, MD
Resident Physician
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
University of Virginia Health System
Greenville, SC
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Alyssa Althoff, MD |
As the fall leaves change and the cool morning air settles in, the residency year is well-underway. Residents find themselves in new roles: Interns are becoming well-integrated juniors, and upper levels, the most-senior chiefs. This inevitable change each year is met with cautious excitement, increased responsibility and ultimately, unparalleled opportunity. It is in this light we pause to acknowledge our chief residents.
I remember my first days of PGY-2 year. We finished prepping and draping, all steps meticulously followed, and there was a calming lull in activity as time-out was called. I stood across the table from the attending, with the chief resident on my left. We had talked through the case ahead of time, down to minute details, and now, the chief stood there, few words left to say, watching calmly, yet intently for the next move. Knife in hand, a slight rush of adrenaline, “incision!” is called and the case begins.
A few weeks later I’m called to see a patient in the ED with an unfortunate ankle fracture dislocation. Despite my best attempt, I failed to reduce her ankle. With an air of disappointment, I reached out for help. In a matter of time, just as before, I found myself with the chief resident by my side, discussing reduction techniques. Standing there, calmly, yet intently watching, we reduce her ankle and get her on her way.
Fast forward a few months, I had the opportunity to reduce and splint an elderly lady’s distal radius fracture. I excitedly find the chief to show post-reduction films. With a pat on the back, a “nice reduction”, the chief leads me through next steps.
It is in these moments of graduated autonomy I find myself indebted to the chief class. Thank you for mentoring us in times of uncertainty and celebrating our little victories in times of accomplishment. One day, just as many chief residents continue to do for me, I hope to pay it forward; the patience, the education, the leadership, and ultimately the patient care. Until that day, I will end with a simple, thank you. We look up to you, and we look forward to a great year ahead.
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