Each academic year, we welcome new chief residents who will provide administrative, clinical, and educational leadership for the residency program and help the new intern class integrate into residency and new environs. Nicholas Genthe, MD, Priscilla Kennedy, MD, and Sarah Soderberg, MD, MPH, will serve as co-chief residents of the Emergency Medicine Residency Program for the 2023-24 academic year.
Read on for a Q&A with Drs. Genthe, Kennedy and Soderberg!
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Q: What are you most looking forward to in being a chief resident?
NG: I’m looking forward to the chance to help lead the department by engaging in the process to make decisions that impact the medical team and patient care. I also look forward to the opportunity to teach and mentor junior colleagues and medical students, both through on-shift clinical teaching and by helping to coordinate our didactic conference material.
SS: Helping support my co-residents during this year!
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Q: What are some ways that the chief residents support your co-residents?
NG: Chief residents play a crucial role in supporting their co-residents by helping to create a positive and productive learning environment within the residency program. We are given the platform to serve as mentors for junior residents. This allows for a unique opportunity to provide guidance on clinical skills, patient care, and career development. Chief residents also have the platform to advocate on behalf of their co-residents, addressing concerns or issues related to workload, schedules, or educational needs.
PK: We do a lot for our residents, from checking in on people that are on off-service rotations and bringing them coffee and snacks, to meeting with residents after every block to decompress. We’re always available to be a shoulder to lean on.
SS: Reaching out during off-service rotations, planning social events, celebrating birthdays, and providing support during tough cases via the CARES team.
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Q: What is one thing you hope your co-residents will learn from you?
NG: I hope my co-residents can learn the power of positivity and professionalism by observing me as chief resident and apply these qualities while on shift throughout their careers.
SS: Residency is hard, but it’s important to take time for yourself, whether that’s through hobbies or spending time with friends and family.
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Q: What is your secret superpower to get through residency?
NG: Resilience – the ability to adapt and bounce back from challenges, setbacks, and adversity. Residency can be an incredibly demanding and stressful period in a healthcare professional’s career, and having resilience can make a significant difference in your ability to thrive during this time. Remember that resilience is not something you either have or don’t have; it’s a skill that can be developed and strengthened over time. Residency will test your resilience, but by focusing on self-care, seeking support, and maintaining a positive outlook, you can harness this superpower to not only survive, but thrive during this demanding period in your medical career.
PK: Finding ways to have fun at work, whether it’s having little inside jokes with the nurses or bringing a gong to shift that I ring every time I get a dispo!
SS: Eating on shift! But seriously, we spend a lot of time caring for others, and I think it’s important to make sure we take time to care for ourselves too!
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Q: Why choose UW?
NG: The University of Wisconsin, along with its hospital and clinics, is a world-class organization. By training here, you are immersed in a program that cultivates not only your learning, but your passion for health policy, research, and innovation. There are ample opportunities to explore within a wide variety of medical sub-specialties, including our world renowned Med Flight program. Add that to the positive attitude and sense of community you will feel within the emergency department, and you have a recipe for success. You will truly find no better place to train.
PK: Wisconsin feels like home – everyone is so nice here and there are so many fun outdoor activities to do regardless of the weather.
SS: Because Madison is an amazing city, and this is a great place to train as an emergency medicine physician!
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Q: Is there any advice you would give applicants for interviewing/ranking?
NG: When it comes to evaluating programs, consider factors such as the program’s curriculum, location, clinical opportunities, faculty, research options, and the overall “fit” with your career goals and values. Reflect on your experiences during interviews and how well you felt they aligned with your aspirations. Seek advice from current medical students and mentors who may offer valuable insights into the programs you’re considering. Remember that the choice of a medical school should align with your long-term goals, personal preferences, and the type of medical education and training experience you desire. Ultimately, trust your instincts and make a decision that feels right for you.
PK: I had a huge spreadsheet when I was ranking, but the only data that really mattered was my last column: “Warm and Fuzzies.” Pick a program that makes you feel excited… for me, that was definitely UW!
SS: Really try to get to know people during the interview day. You spend so much time working during residency that it’s important you like and work well with your co-residents, faculty, and others in the department.
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Q: Living in Madison: great or the greatest?
NG: The greatest! I may be biased as Madison has been my home my entire life. But in reality, Madison consistently ranks high in terms of quality of life, with a strong job market, good healthcare, and a thriving cultural scene. The city is surrounded by lakes, parks, and outdoor recreational opportunities, making it an attractive destination for nature enthusiasts. The city boasts a lively arts and music scene, as well as numerous museums, theaters, and cultural festivals. Madison often ranks as one of the safest cities in the U.S., contributing to a sense of security for its residents.
SS: Madison is a wonderful city with lots to see and explore. It’s been great raising a family here.
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Q: Who inspires you?
NG: My family is my unwavering source of inspiration because they embody the values of love, unity, and resilience. They have shown me the power of unconditional support and the strength that comes from standing together in times of joy and adversity. Their unwavering belief in my potential has fueled my determination to continuously grow and achieve my goals. In every way, my family’s love, values, and dedication this community inspire me to be a better person and make a positive impact on the world around me.
PK: My mom. She was a doctor in India before we moved to the U.S., and she went through residency when I was little. She worked so hard to build a better life for me, and it inspires me to keep working hard to make her proud.