It’s starting to cool down here in Florida and we’re looking forward to an exciting hurri- I mean interview season! In June, we sent our class of 2023 to the great beyond of attending life and they are all thriving and making us proud. Our PGY1 class is strong and we are already impressed with how they are handling themselves in the emergency department after an intense Intern Boot Camp.

We are enjoying our simulation days in our state-of-the-art simulation center down the road from the hospital. Our simulation and ultrasound directors have outdone themselves preparing difficult cases to make us sweat and learn by doing. Monthly journal clubs at local restaurants have been surprisingly exciting as PGY3 Dr. Alterman has been featuring foundational articles as well as up and coming research for discussion for some healthy debate.

Wellness is a high priority in our program with chief resident Dr. Macauley being a fellow in the CORD Mini-Fellowship in Wellness. We actively work to promote belonging, autonomy, and decrease on shift demands to make a better workplace for our colleagues. The ED is a tough place to work, especially at a place like Ocala where there is high acuity everywhere you turn during your entire shift. On top of promoting workplace and personal wellness, we enjoy spending time together off-shift. From going out downtown to game nights to kayaking and beach days. We have already had a day out tubing at Ginnie Springs and another day spent at Pop Stroke. We look forward to a day together at Busch Gardens in November and of course our big holiday parties in December.

This year, our entire rising third-year class attended SAEM in Houston, representing UCF-Ocala EM with several research presentations while appreciating the history and sites of the city. We are also excited to see everyone at ACEP in October in New Orleans.

We are very proud of our residents and faculty and cannot wait to see what they will accomplish this year! UCF Ocala wishes everyone a happy and healthy fall!

Website: Ocalaem.org

Instagram: @ocalaem