by MONICA NEWTON, DO, MPH – FAMILY MEDICINE RESIDENCY PROGRAM DIRECTOR
I cannot think of a more challenging time in medicine. The ripple effect of COVID-19 on life has trickled into every aspect of our being – from social life, professional life to personal life. The social isolation has made many wonder if they have what it takes to overcome. As a new class of resident physicians get ready to start their training at Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) Graduate Medical Education (GME), the faculty at NGMC Family Medicine Residency wanted to say – you’ve got this!
WHO ARE THE NEW FAMILY MEDICINE RESIDENTS?
Our new residents are bright, exceptional young people with worlds of potential. Though many are from Georgia, they are moving to a new town – a “hot spot” at that. They are uprooting themselves to plug into a new work culture and set of colleagues. Whether you are a nurse on the floor, a sub specialty attending or a volunteer at the hospital, you will see their enthusiasm, perseverance, and servant leadership. They will elevate our practice. They make us better doctors. They make me want to be a better teacher.
Yes, we all have flaws. We hope that most of us are better tomorrow than we are today. I know this is true of our residents. Many epitomize the quote of Ralph Waldo Emerson who said, “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies in us.” The life mission of many of our new Family Medicine residents is to live a life that pursues excellence. That excellence is role-modeled by our core values every day.
BREATHE…
To the class of 2023, take a deep breath. We have confidence in you. We are here for you. Yes, residency is hard, but you have what it takes to change the course of health in our community. You are a way maker, a change agent. You are the future of Northeast Georgia Health System and we want you to know, #YOU’VEGOTTHIS.