Medical School: University of Texas Medical Branch
I grew up in Tyler, TX, went to undergrad at Baylor University and medical school at UTMB in Galveston. I knew I wanted to be a doctor early on in life and hoped I would find a specialty that fit well with my personality and interests. My second year of medical school I formed a simulation team at UTMB to compete with schools in medical simulation. I was fortunate to have many great Emergency Physicians as mentors and knew that I wanted to become a part of the ED team. I loved the idea of not knowing what will come through the doors of the ED and how everyday the ED pushes you out of your comfort zone to improve your skills as an emergency physician.
I had heard great things about this program and rotated as a student. I really enjoyed my time here as a student and thought that the residency had that tight knit feel I was looking for. In addition, I wanted to be trained at an unopposed program where traumas are led by ED residents, reductions are done by ED residents, and the ICU is run by ED residents. I was impressed as a student that the new PGY-3s were already playing such a vital role in running the department. There were great interactions between the resident and attendings, and most importantly everyone seemed happy. Everyone I worked with was both smart and cool to be around which is a rare to find. I knew that by the end of my training I wanted to be comfortable managing a wide variety of conditions as well as proficient in procedures.
After returning for my interview, it validated what I already knew: this was where I wanted to train. Fast forward to my first ED shift. Near the end of that day we had an ED thoracotomy led by the chief resident and the trauma attending. There were no surgery residents around, just ED residents. As I assisted in cardiac massage I could hardly believe THIS was my first ED shift. Since that time, the craziness has continued with plenty of intubations, lines, reductions and all of the skills need my a good ED doc.
Not only is this a great place to train, I feel like this program also cares about you as a person. My wife Jordan and I have enjoyed getting to know everyone and feel well supported by everyone in the program. Everyone is always getting together outside of work and checking to make sure you and your family are doing well. If you are reading this you are likely a medical student looking to rotate with us. I really encourage you to consider a rotation here to see if this program is the right fit for you. My advice when looking at programs is to pick the program where you will be the happiest. That is the only criteria that matters at the end of the day. I could not be happier with my choice, and if you decide to come here we hope to show you what a great place this is to train.