I just returned home from my last shift of residency. It seems like, not that long ago, I was walking into my first shift. I don’t remember the details, like how uncomfortable I felt or how little I knew, because during residency, we gain the experience and knowledge necessary to venture out and care for patients on our own. It is a cool process, and it works. By spending so much time at the hospital and on so many different rotations, we learn what we need to know to prepare for our career. My first shift is in a week, and I’m excited, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little nervous.

I want to congratulate all the graduates who are starting the next phase of their careers. What a time to start practicing emergency medicine. Who else can say that they graduated residency in the middle of a pandemic! Over recent weeks, the virus has taken an exponential turn just in time for us to start our new jobs. What a privilege and responsibility to care for our community in this time of need. I encourage you to stay safe and keep your family safe.

For the upcoming senior residents and incoming interns, take the time to grow together as a class. Work hard and learn from your attendings and patients. Residency is an awesome time where you are surrounded by a community in a similar stage of life. When you walk into your shift, think of one way you can encourage someone that day.

It has been an awesome three years! Thank you for allowing me to serve as president of the Florida chapter of EMRA. I encourage you to get involved and to find ways to make a difference in our specialty. ■