The Department of Family Medicine is proud to announce the completion of the family medicine program by 82 family medicine residents. The graduation ceremonies held June 16 and 18, 2016 marks the end of two years of long days, late nights and a whole lot of learning.
Family medicine welcomed this class into the family medicine program in late June of 2014. Their training took place at sites throughout the province, from Edmonton's inner city to Fort MacMurray and beyond. Some residents ventured further out, in learning sites as diverse as Whitehorse, YT and Victoria, BC. The benefit, experience and rigour gained from the diversity of learning sites offered through the University of Alberta family medicine program is what sets this residency program apart from others
I think this graduation is definitely a very remarkable milestone for most of us. It might not be as sentimental as say when we "became doctors" at the end of medical school, but practically speaking it is probably the most significant leap forward in our career as physicians. - Alexei Khair, 2015-2016 Co-chief, urban residents.
Meeting the Challenges
Over the course of the two-year program, each resident will have spent 125 to 135 days in half-day clinics, attended 24 monthly academic days, taught undergraduates as part of the resident as teacher program, completed a practice quality improvement (PQI) project, attended a two-day evidence based medicine (EBM) workshop, and taken a variety of exams.
In addition to academic and clinical program requirements, the residents were involved in various activities that enhanced their skills and enriched their professional experiences. This included taking part in activities such as the annual Wilderness Retreat, Faculty Resident Education Extravaganza and Retreat (FREzER) and the Fall Harvest conference.
The last two years were not all stress and studies, however. The residents also organized and took part in social events to build the relationships and friendships that are such an important part of their journey, and for many will last a lifetime.
Our graduation from Family Medicine marks a proud moment in our lives as we reflect on our accomplishments and dedication to achieve our designation as family physicians. It is also a chance to celebrate and thank those who have been through this long journey with us. - Grace Wong, 2015-2016 Co-chief, urban residents.
The Fort MacMurray residents experienced additional challenges late in their program. The Fort MacMurray wildfire, known as 'the beast' made some last-minute relocations necessary. During the crisis, one resident continued providing support to medical teams during the crisis despite knowing his own home was in the path of the fire.
The last two years have been a whirlwind and it's hard to believe that it is quickly coming to an end. It would be easy for me to say that the path through residency has been smooth and effortless, but that would not be true. Residency was challenging. Don't get me wrong. I had fun - laughing with co-workers and holding rosy newborns in my arms. But the endless stream of patients and paperwork was like a quagmire with no hint of dry land. I stumbled and staggered through the late night calls, the long drives traveling to remote communities and those dreaded exams. My saving grace has been the tremendous support of faculty, family and fellow residents (pronounced as friends). It's been an honor to share this journey with you. You have taught me much about medicine and even more about life. As we move forward into the next phases of our lives, some of us returning to our families, some of us starting new families, I would like to say that I couldn't have done it without you. You are my family, blood of my blood. - Darryl Huang, 2015- 2016 Co-Chief, Fort MacMurray residents
Looking to the Future
In his address at the graduating ceremony Dr. John Chmelicek, Director of Postgraduate Education, shared his thoughts with the graduating residents:
Being a physician is a noble profession. We are all truly privileged, and very fortunate to have this honor bestowed on us! Being a family doctor is challenging, but comes with great rewards to those who truly embrace the "art of medicine". Dealing with daily uncertainty, adjusting to the rigors of patient care, being responsible patient advocates … can seem daunting. You have all worked hard… to arrive in this place and time with this opportunity. Treat your good fortunate with care and hard work, respect the profession, advocate for your patients and your community, never forget how precious this opportunity is.
Keep in touch, pursue your dreams , be all that you can be… and once again, thank you for granting me this great honor to be your program director. On behalf of myself and the whole team, thank you… Carpe Diem…