The academic year is off to a great start at UCF/HCA Ocala Emergency Medicine. Our newest residency class went through our inaugural intern boot camp. The intensive training week was directed by our new chief residents, Samyr Elbadri, MD and Nick McCauley, MD. The interns had procedure workshops, simulation cases, an ultrasound clinic and lectures on emergency medicine fundamentals. Additionally, the boot camp focused on getting the new residents acquainted with department staff, protocols, workflow and the EMR.

We are excited to continue training our new class over the next three years. To celebrate their arrival in Central Florida, the residents had a teambuilding day at Rainbow River in July. The PGY-2 class attended Symposium by the Sea, where residents participated in the Case Presentation Competition and SonoRace.

Our facilities are growing alongside our quorum of residents. Ocala Health’s new freestanding ED opened in September, which will increase medical access for the residents of Marion County. We’re looking forward to the completion of expansion projects and continuing to improve care for our patients.

Our ultrasound director, Drew Jones, MD, is moving to Orlando and will be missed by the residents and staff at Ocala Regional. During his time as core faculty, Dr. Jones implemented an ultrasound curriculum and acquired a new ultrasound machine for the ED. We wish Dr. Jones all the best in Orlando and look forward to the future of our ultrasound program.

We would also like to congratulate Vir Singh, MD on being named to EMRA’s award committee. ■