Match Day and Moving Up

Brittany M. Ladson, DO Emergency Medicine Resident Physician, PGY-1

Match Day is one of the most anticipated and exciting days of a medical student’s academic career. Match Day 2023 has officially happened, and it is very exciting to get the first glimpses of the new names and faces entering CMU Health residency programs. It is thrilling to see all the talent and energy coming our way this July!

With the arrival of a new class of residents also comes the level up from intern year to PGY-2 for those of us interns already here in Saginaw. Of course, there will be increased responsibilities in the hospitals and clinics, but there will also be a duty to mentor the new group of junior physicians. The mentorship and encouragement that we can provide these incoming residents will shape the future generation of clinicians at a pivotal time in their clinical career. As new PGY2s, we are the closest in training to the new interns and have a special opportunity to be invaluable resources.

There are numerous ways that we can welcome, encourage, and guide new residents in our residency programs. The best advice I received about residency came from the second year class and I am eternally grateful for it. I encourage newly advancing residents to share these pearls with their incoming PGY-1 class to support their success:

1. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! If you are thinking it, someone else is probably thinking it too.

2. Develop a good work-life balance early on. Although the hospital or clinic may feel like your home at times, stay connected to people and activities outside of work that bring you joy.

3. Prioritize your health. Choose a primary care physician and a dentist. Make sure to schedule routine medical and dental appointments. Pick up your prescriptions from the pharmacy. Check in on your mental health.

4. Enjoy the greater Saginaw area! Experience all the cool things to do while you are in training. Whether experiencing Saginaw just during residency, or planning to stay for many years, live it up while you are here. Enjoy a Saginaw Spirit hockey game, sail on the Appledore, or get lunch at SVRC!

5. Treat your co-residents as more than co-workers. They will be some of your lifelong friends!

Current residents, best of luck in advancing to the next step in your residency journey.

The best advice I received about residency came from the second year class and I am eternally grateful for it.