Among providers honored in medicine via recognition days, a highly representative group of teaching hospital physicians cannot be overlooked – residents and fellows. Led by the Gold Humanism Society, “Thank a Resident and Fellow Day” annually celebrates residents and fellows as vital contributors to patient care and healthcare workforce team members.
On Friday, February 23rd, 2024, UNC Hospitals joined academic medical centers across the U.S. in celebrating its post-graduate trainees on “Thank a Resident and Fellow Day.” Hospital-wide, faculty wore “We Love our Residents and Fellows” appreciation buttons. UNC Hospitals, the Office of GME and Gold Humanism Society UNC School of Medicine students thanked trainees with UNC Health/Tar Heel gear and on-the-go snacks. At UNC Kittner Eye Center, UNC Ophthalmology kept residents and fellows busy seeing patients fed well with a pizza lunch and break room food and showed their appreciation with gift bags.
UNC Ophthalmology Residency Program Director Alice Zhang, MD, noted: “On ‘Thank a Resident and Fellow Day,’ we recognize the indispensable role of ophthalmology residents and fellows in high-volume academic centers. Our trainees are exposed to a diverse array of cases, from routine care to complex surgical procedures. Their adaptability and innovative thinking, coupled with compassion and enthusiasm, bring new energy and perspective to push the boundaries of ophthalmic care. Their dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence ensures that the future of ophthalmology remains bright.”
UNC Ophthalmology Vitreo-Retinal Fellowship Director J. Niklas Ulrich MD, added: “Residents and fellows represent tomorrow’s generation of physicians. Training them at UNC is critical for sustaining high quality patient care for all North Carolinians.”