The snow bird season is finally coming to an end and we enjoyed a brief reprieve. Every year the break gets shorter, and especially now with the widespread pandemic of COVID-19. We are preparing for the inevitable inundation of the worried well and truly ill, but as for now, we are seeing the “calm before the storm.” We are trying to keep morale up and spirits high, and the community is being an active participant in that aspect. Many local restaurants are delivering food to our department and cheering us on. We are very grateful for them. Our adaptability as residents has been a great asset to us as protocols are changing daily.

With the suspected rush of patients and the annual increase in patient load, we are very fortunate to have our newest interns coming this July; our residency program will be up to full capacity with our third class joining us! The ED expansion is actively in the works to accommodate the increasing volume and residents. As part of the continued growth of our hospital, the long-awaited Level II NICU has opened, and with it two new neonatologists have joined our hospital staff.

This past season has been one of many new changes and faces. We were approved for an additional off-cycle resident, Dr. Fred Gardezy, as well as a new, fellowship-trained pediatric emergency physician, Dr. Lorraine Mendez. Our assistant program director, Dr. Jason Grabert, is also our new assistant director of the emergency department, as well as our new stroke champion.

We survived our annual in-training exam after an intensive review course. It has become tradition for us to have a wellness event after our exam. This year, just like last, we went as a group to the nearby bowling alley and enjoyed a few games as well as food and drinks. We had other wellness events planned; however they have been postponed due social distancing recommendations.

As the second year is halfway over, some are considering jobs while others are working on applications to fellowship. It has been great to see the first-years growing; they are definitely ready to take on the role of a second-year. It will be interesting progressing to third-year and being able to help the intern class. It was not that long ago we remember being called a doctor for the first time, or the oddly gratifying feeling of signing our first prescription and placing orders. It is nice to see our program continue to grow and we look forward to being the first graduating class. ■