If “experience is the best teacher,” than mentorship is what makes the experience the most meaningful.
Feb. 28 marks a special day to honor tomorrow’s leading physicians: residents. To commemorate ”Thank a Resident Day,” medical education leaders and program directors shared perspectives on mentorship and how these elements position residents to help shape the future of care.
Dr. Dineen Greer
Q to Dr. Dineen Greer, vice president and designated institutional official: What does mentorship mean to you?
A: One of my favorite quotes is by Marian Wright Edelman, who stated, “You can’t be what you can’t see,” highlighting the importance of representation and mentorship. I would not be in my role without the support of mentors like my high school teacher who encouraged me to apply to Stanford. The experience opened doors. Now, I emphasize the ripple effect of mentorship, urging residents and fellows to seek guidance while paying it forward to inspire future generations.
Dr. Jon Perlstein
Q to Dr. Jon Perlstein, program director for surgery residency at Sutter Roseville Medical Center: What opportunities are provided to residents?
A: Our residents have progressive leadership responsibilities running surgical teams and leveraging access to experienced mentors who guide their development and provide constructive assessments of clinical skills. They receive feedback to help them improve. Sutter emphasizes a culture of respect and constructive observations.
Dr. Linda Herman
Q to Dr. Linda Herman, program director for emergency medicine residency at Sutter Roseville Medical Center: What excites you about training the next generation?
A: You can make a lasting impact on a young physician’s career and life. What legacy is more important than training physicians who will continue to care for our communities? Our residents always seek improvement, whether through projects to refine care during critical scenarios or by presenting at conferences and fine-tuning teaching procedures.
Dr. Ryan Spielvogel
Q to Dr. Ryan Spielvogel, program director for the family medicine residency program at Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento: What impact do residents have?
A: Residents keep us fresh. Patients love working with them. When you have an inquisitive trainee with you, they push you as much as you push them to learn, excel and lead.
Dr. Tara Scott
Q to Dr. Tara Scott, program director for family medicine residency at Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital: What do you enjoy about working with residents?
A: I love the heart residents bring to their patient care. As faculty, we have experience and knowledge to share but we keep learning from the residents’ individual approaches to care every day. Our young family physicians really strive to provide care with autonomy and dignity.
Dr. Edward Holt
Q to Dr. Edward Holt, program director for gastroenterology fellowship at Sutter’s California Pacific Medical Center: What learning and growth does Sutter offer its residents and fellows?
A: Sutter’s residents and fellows receive clinical and professional mentorship at multiple levels. They work with faculty and take on leadership roles by mentoring junior staff. They have opportunities to bond with peers in different fields, hospitals and regions through system-wide events, which highlight career development.
Celebrating Learning in Medicine
Sutter is committed to patient care and clinical excellence through medical education, mentorship and a culture that fosters collaboration and continual learning that is shared and scaled across the organization.
On Feb. 28 and always, “thank” a resident for the future of excellent care.
Learn more about Sutter’s residency programs.
