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Our July 2018 team recently returned from 2 weeks in Guatemala working with in-country partner Wuqu' Kawoq. We continue to focus in two main areas, the highlands outside of Tecpan and on the Boca Costa, and now even have some continuity patients. While it's hard to capture the experience in photos we think those below help tell the day to day story. To learn more about Wuqu' Kawoq, the second largest provider of health care in Guatemala, after the Ministry of Health, you can click here.
Making sure to promote literacy… both in Guatemala and in the US
No matter where you are in the world how you get to your doctor (on foot, by bus or car) will affect ease of access.
While this may look like a “stock” photo, we swear it’s not even staged!
Sometimes the best way to make the doctor less scary is via stickers!
We always try to meet patients where they are, and in their preferred language.
You know you are a family medicine (or FMP) doctor when you bring the baby to staff the mother with your attending.
We feel the same way about bubbles as she does.
Going on a home visit- fanny pack and all!
Our team in front of the Chocola clinic.
Reposted from July 2016- but with edits
If you are attending the AAFP Resident and Medical Student Conference this year make sure to come swing by and say hello. We will be there from Aug 2-4 to answer questions and talk about our program. Look for our matching red shirts and booth 1410.
From personal experience we know it can be overwhelming to come to these events. Here are a few do's and don'ts that we have learned along the way:
Part of the reason to come to these conferences is to network and figure out the "personality" of various residency programs.
We would much rather have a conversation about who you are and what you are interested in than list the bed size of our hospital (unless of course you are interested in that- in which case 555 beds).
While this is a lot less formal than an interview it is a good opportunity to practice for the big day... especially if you are nervous about it.
You truly are in the driver's seat in this process (even if it doesn't feel that way). Keep a list of things you want- (global health? women's health? Trader Joes?... we have all three) - and start asking about it.
We encourage you to stay in contact with us. It's important because it shows us that you are interested and also lets us answer any questions you may have.
One always wonders how an intern class is going to get along. You take people from all over and put them in novel and challenging situations. Plus they spend a LOT of time together. We have no worries about the class of 2021! One of their own was on call on 4th of July night, so what did they do? Joined her to watch fireworks from the hospital rooftop.
The Class of 2018!
June 23rd, 2018 was a big day for our 8 graduates and an exciting day for our 8 interns. We could not be happier or sadder at the same time. The 8 graduates are an exceptional group of physicians who will be part of changing health care, both around the US and across the world. Each of them has made a lasting impact on our residency and we are proud to call them colleagues.
Introducing the interns!
While we are sad to see the Class of 2018 go, the incoming group of 8 (our first time with 6 categorical FM residents) is stellar. They come from different backgrounds and geographies but they are untied in a desire to provider exceptional primary care to underserved populations in urban and international settings. Are you interested in joining this group? Click her to learn how to apply.
A special reunion, Shanna and Elizabeth's starting FM class came to celebrate.
What started out as a promise 2 years ago became a reunion as the FM class of 2016 all returned to Cincinnati to help celebrate the graduation of the FMP 5th years. This class has had a strong bound since the start and shows the strength of the relationships formed in residency. We hope this is the start of a new tradition <<cough, cough, Class of 2017, cough, cough>>.
Not only is it a beautiful week here in Cincinnati (well... ok... maybe it is a tad bit humid) but we get to continue to welcome our new interns to the TCHUC family. Let's continue to hear what they are excited about!
Starting residency, I am most excited to be part of a program that focuses on working with the underserved and aims to change the world for the better. I am grateful to be surrounded by faculty and mentors who will push me to reach my full potential as both a physician and a leader in the community.
-Andrea Jaramillo, Class of 2021, FM
I cannot wait to train with such a dedicated, passionate group of physicians here, and I am so excited to learn more about the Cincinnati communities. I look forward to laying the groundwork for becoming a true community physician and community advocate, all the while exploring further research in mental health and primary care integration.
-Samantha Lammie, Class of 2023 FMP
I’m new to the Cincinnati area, and ecstatic to learn more about the community and what I can do as a resident to be more involved. I’m also excited for the opportunity to work with the Christ Hospital residents and attendings!
-Alex Vance, Class of 2021, FM
The thing I am most excited about starting residency is being able to serve the city I grew up in as a physician and becoming a better community health advocate
-Sara Maples, Class of 2021, FM
The last two weeks of June are always super busy for residents and residency programs but nothing really tops the experience of incoming interns. Over the last month or so they have graduated from medical school, moved to entirely new cities and started orientations. Because we just can't wait for our newest interns here is a sneak peak at some of what they are most excited about in starting residency.
In regards to what I am most excited about as we start residency: 1) To learn from our awesome faculty. 2) To make new friends. 3) To be able to tell people I am a doctor without feeling like I am lying (Hopefully this happens by third year?). 4) To make Cincinnati into our new home and experience all the amazing things the city has to offer!
-Melissa Saab, Class of 2021 FM
As a Cincinnati native, I've watched the city grow and change significantly in my lifetime. I was thrilled to match at Christ's program where I know I'll be surrounded by people dedicated to the care of the most vulnerable in our city. In starting residency, I'm most excited to get to know my colleagues and to have the privilege of serving the city and people who have given me so much over the past 26 years.
-Libby Peters, Class of 2021, FM
I think what I’m most looking forward to in residency is the opportunity to get to know my patients in continuity clinic and provide more long term continuity care that addresses wellness of the whole person.
-Laura Ledvora, Class of 2023 FMP
I am beyond excited for the opportunity to work closely with other residents who have similar passions/interests and be a part of a program invested in caring for vulnerable and underserved communities. I am eager to begin full spectrum family medicine training and begin building relationships with patients. Additionally, I am excited for the amazing opportunity to have intentional academic training.
-Emily Levinson, Class of 2021, FM
Photo featured in the most recent Team Newsletter from our Guatemalan partner organization Wuqu' Kawoq
"Durante el viaje a Guatemala, me acordé del fantástico grupo de personas con las que tengo el privilegio de trabajar y cuánto podemos lograr como equipo. Esta foto fue tomada en la Clínica Miller en Chocolá. Mientras estaba sentado detrás de la estación de farmacia pude presenciar a todos los miembros de mi equipo en el trabajo todos a la vez, cumpliendo un papel esencial. A pesar de algunos desafíos que surgieron durante el viaje, la fuerte ética de trabajo del equipo y su disposición para trabajar juntos permitieron que cada día de la clínica fuera un éxito. Tengo la gran bendición de trabajar y aprender con personas tan maravillosas". - Miembro, Equipo de Cincinnati, Febrero
"During the trip to Guatemala, I was reminded of what a fantastic group of individuals I am privileged to work with and how much we can accomplish as a team. This photo was taken at Clinica Miller in Chocolá. As I sat behind the pharmacy station, I was able to witness many members of my team at work all at once, each fulfilling an essential role. Despite some challenges that arose during the trip, the team’s strong work ethic and willingness to work together allowed each clinic day to be a success. I am so blessed to work and learn with such wonderful people.". - Cincinnati Team Member, February
These were the reflections of one of our residents, as featured in the most recent newsletter from our Guatemalan partner organization. To read more about our global health program, click here. You can learn more about our partner by following the link Wuqu' Kawoq.
As part of our underserved/global health focus we have regular movie and book club nights. This is a chance for residents, attendings and team members to come together and discuss cultural factors and media representations of the social determinants of health which effect our patient population. This week we met to watch the Emmy awarding winning documentary 13th, directed by Ava DuVernay. The film examines the history and development of the current mass incarceration crisis in the United States.
This film inspires thoughts and is often a call to action. Our group focused on how to talk to our patients about mass incarceration, racism and discrimination. We identified interventions we could make in our current practice, discussed a possible Ohio ballot initiative which would declassify some drug related charged to misdemeanors, and learned how to help people register to vote.
If this is a topic of interest you may want to consider reading one of the books we read as part of an earlier group discussion, The New Jim Crow. Other recommendations include Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson and The Other Wes Moore by Wes Moore. If you are more of a move person, consider The House I Live In (on PBS) and Time: The Kalief Browder Story (a 6 episode documentary series produced by Jay Z).
If you have interest, our next meeting is a book group. We will be reading Evicted, which follows 8 families trying to maintain housing in the 21st century city. The author, Matthew Desmond, will also be speaking locally on this increasingly common problem for our clinic population.
Our residents, inspired to continue to make this a great program, which keeps getting better!
While it may look a little like that hotel in The Shinning, Hueston Woods Lodge located about one hour from Cincinnati, is the welcoming sight of our yearly retreat. [Editor's note: while some of the picture may suggest otherwise, it does not always snow]
As required by the ACGME, every residency program must have a yearly time for the residents to focus on program improvement and evaluation. We are lucky that our retreat also focuses on bonding and fun! Held over two days in March each year, the Family Medicine Retreat is a time to talk about goals for the program, suggest improvements, and take the all important group photo.
Bonfire wellness
Our wellness committee, lead by Rory and Melissa, nailed the fun part of retreat. Not only did they stage an "escape game" (based on pizza and zombies) they also arranged an evening bonfire- with smores for everyone (including vegan options). And while it was a little cold for a hike, we did guided meditation which is almost as good (and better if you ask the Californians).
Red Team escaped the zombies first
Black Team added Baby Koch as an additional team member
Sadly, Blue Team was eaten by the zombies
Green Team is ready to play
Bern- so excited- but waiting until 12:30 let us know who matched.
We are proud and excited to announce our incoming interns!
Andrea Jaramillo - Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
Emily Levinson- University of Missouri
Elizbeth Peters- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
Melissa Saab - Marshall University
Sara Stigler- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
Alex Vance - Marshall University
Samantha Lammie- Emory University School of Medicine
Laura Ledvora- Medical College of Wisconsin
The residents pose with our newest colleagues. Those are real smiles!
Have a question or want to learn more about our program. Send us an e-mail!
The Christ Hospital/University of Cincinnati is a full-spectrum family medicine residency based in Cincinnati, Ohio.
