Five years ago, we began our journey as surgical residents at Navicent Health under circumstances none of us could have predicted. What started as virtual interviews quickly became our reality, marking the beginning of a residency shaped by uncertainty, adaptation, and growth.
Entering as interns, we were somewhat playfully labeled the “diversity class,” but what truly defined us was the individuality each of us brought — our unique strengths, perspectives, and challenges. Those differences became our greatest asset, allowing us to grow together into the surgeons we are today.
Our training evolved alongside the program itself. From long nights on call and frequent service changes to the transition toward an acute care surgery model, our schedules — and expectations — shifted more than we ever imagined. Adaptability became one of our earliest and most important lessons.
The impact of COVID-19 defined much of our early residency experience. During our second year, the ICU became a unit for the sickest of the sick. Early mornings and late nights caring for critically ill patients tested us in ways no textbook could prepare us for. It was here that we learned not only surgical critical thinking but also the compassion, humility, and humanity required to care for patients and families during their most vulnerable moments, including the final hours of life.
By our third year, we grew into true mid-level residents. Our responsibilities expanded beyond our own learning as we began mentoring and guiding junior residents, recognizing that teaching is one of surgery’s greatest privileges and responsibilities.
During our fourth year, each of us began to find our professional homes within surgery, discovering the specialties that inspired us and shaped our future paths. That journey culminates in our chief year, where we are proud to celebrate all five of us matching into fellowships:
While we now move forward into different fields, we remain united by the foundation built here. Navicent Health — now Atrium Health Navicent — will always be home. The lessons learned within these walls extend far beyond operative technique; they include resilience, teamwork, leadership, and lifelong friendship.
We are deeply grateful to every attending who invested time, patience, and trust in our development. Your mentorship shaped not only our surgical skills but also the physicians and people we have become. We hope that along the way we have passed forward some measure of knowledge, skill, and perhaps a bit of our personality to the residents who follow behind us.
These past five years have been challenging, transformative, and profoundly meaningful. It has truly been an honor to train here, and we leave with immense gratitude for the experiences, relationships, and memories that will stay with us throughout our careers.
With sincere appreciation,
The Chief Residents