Residency 2.0 Story and Reflection

As most of you know, though my full-time work is in coaching within residency programs, I’ve stayed clinically active—filling in both at the Alaska Family Medicine Residency and Anchorage Neighborhood Health, our local FQHC.

Since 2007, I’ve had the privilege of watching over 200 residents grow, graduate, and go on to do incredible work. Two of those graduates are now the Chief Medical Officer and Associate Medical Director at Neighborhood Health (pictured above).

When I first met with them to discuss doing some fill-in work, one of them smiled and said, “It’s like Residency 2.0. around here” She was right—nine of the 20 physicians on staff are Alaska residency grads that I worked with as an attending. Looking at the roster really did feel like looking through a family photo album.

This past week, I was assigned to a different pod. The MAs greeted me with warmth and helped me settle in. The MA assigned to work with me was proactive in assisting me with a variety of issues. Colleagues smiled and chatted with me. Their days were full, the patient load heavy with challenges—as is often the case in an FQHC—but there was a grounded calm in their presence, a quiet joy beneath the busyness, and a strong sense of connection.

Today’s theme involves workplace culture and well-benign - I want to name that alongside the excellent support systems, intentional well-being programming, and thoughtful leadership at Neighborhood Health, there’s something even more subtle at play:

A contagion of kindness. A culture of calm.

When I spoke with Dr. Samuelson this past week, she credited the previous CEO, Tammy Green, and her team for intentionally cultivating a positive culture—one that the current CEO, Lisa Aquino, and the entire leadership team continue to nurture and strengthen. And while Dr. Samuelson was quick to share the credit, I can personally attest to the significant role she and Dr. Gokey play in sustaining that environment of kindness, calm, and connection.

As Dr Stuart Slavin, of the ACGME reminded us during my GME Well-being Leadership course, “We are all part of the culture we are in.” We play a part in affecting the culture.

Reflection: Who helps bring light into your workday? When's the last time you thanked them? What small action could you take this week to infuse your space with a bit more calm, kindness, or connection?

Thank you, Casey and Rachel - for all your efforts and those of the entire team at ANHC.