Thank a Resident Day

MountainView Hospital, a member of Sunrise Health Systems and HCA Healthcare, began its journey from community hospital to teaching hospital in 2015, with the founding of the Sunrise Health Graduate Medical Education (GME) Consortium, based at MountainView Hospital.

MountainView entered the world of graduate medical education with the launch of the MountainView-based GME program, with the inaugural class of 2016, the program has grown to include a wide mix of specialty fields.

The program now encompasses Anesthesiology, Diagnostic Radiology, Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, General Surgery, Internal Medicine, Neurology, OB-GYN, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Psychiatry, and Transitional Year, and three fellowship programs, Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Gastroenterology, and most recently accredited, Anesthesiology Critical Care Medicine. There are now 244 residents who rotate at all Sunrise Health hospitals in Las Vegas.

Friday, February 26 is national “Thank a Resident Day” and this year, we would like to acknowledge all of our residents who played a pivotal role this past year in caring for our patients and community.

From navigating the stress of a pandemic environment to seeing first hand the toll this virus has taken on our community, the impact of COVID will undoubtedly shape all of us, and our new physicians, for years to come.

We asked a handful of residents about why they picked the Sunrise Health GME program to continue their learning experience, and how the pandemic has shaped them as physicians. Here are their stories:

Nitin “Cory” Egbert
Internal Medicine PGY3

Why did you pick Sunrise Health GME: The people and the culture of learning

What is the biggest thing/most memorable you have learned in residency thus far: Biggest thing I’ve learned so far is my limits and to ask for help before I reach them. Most memorable thing is getting a group of residents together to sing Christmas carols in the hospital lobby.

What advice would you give other residents: Don’t be afraid of being wrong and asking a dumb question. Be afraid of not asking the dumb question and never finding out you’re wrong.

What have you learned about your practice in the time of COVID: Do everything you can to do right by your patients’ families, in addition to your patients.

Anything else you’d like to add: Friendship is magic!

Ann Ikonne
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation PGY-3

Why did you pick Sunrise Health GME: I picked Sunrise GME because I was impressed with the faculty. Not only was I sure I would be taught by leaders in the field, I knew I would be mentored by attendings who are genuinely interested in my learning.

What is the biggest thing/most memorable you have learned in residency thus far: Every member of the team is valuable and can assist you treating your patient.

What advice would you give other residents: Do not be afraid to ask questions.

What have you learned about your practice in the time of COVID: We have to be flexible and willing to make modifications for all patients seeking improved function and quality of life.

Anything else you’d like to add: Take advantage of this time, challenge yourself daily.

Darryl McFarland, MD
Emergency Medicine, PGY-3

Why did you pick Sunrise Health GME: I chose Sunrise Health GME because it was the perfect match of potential and opportunity. Las Vegas is a well populated city where there are ample patients to see with a diverse pathology of disease processes. Couple this with the vision of the residency program developed by Dr. Allswede and the core faculty, and I was immediately sold.

What is the biggest thing/most memorable you have learned in residency thus far: With each passing year of residency, I have come to better understand the diverse range of responsibilities a physician holds. These responsibilities include, but range well beyond rapidly acquiring patient information, making appropriate clinical decisions and serving as an advocate for those who lack a voice.

What advice would you give other residents: Residency in general will be the most challenging step yet in your personal and professional growth, but this journey can be so fulfilling. Surround yourself with people who share your same passion and establish a strong support system that you can turn to for encouragement, consultation and community.

What have you learned about your practice in the time of COVID: The Covid-19 pandemic has challenged all of us mentally and physically, but it has also provided an opportunity for growth. After all of my experiences and deep contemplation about my career goals, this pandemic has strengthened my desire to care for critically ill patients, as I am now pursuing a fellowship in critical care medicine.

Anything else you’d like to add: Residency will present you with opportunities that you could not predict or expect, and don’t be afraid to take these opportunities when they present themselves. I embraced an opportunity to volunteer in the Southern Hills ICU and this experience provided me a skill set and confidence I will take with me during my path of becoming a critically trained physician.

Tristan Steinberger
PGY4 Anesthesiology resident

Why did you pick Sunrise Health GME: I chose sunrise Anesthesia GME because of the positive relationships I had formed with GME staff during my intern year here and the exceptional facilities.

What is the biggest thing/most memorable you have learned in residency thus far: I have learned that we never stop learning no matter our level of training and that asking for help when we don’t know something will ultimately only make us stronger providers by increasing our knowledge base and/or clinical skills.

What advice would you give other residents: At first during training the learning curve is steep and you may feel frequently frustrated but through practice and patience with yourself, the knowledge and skills will become second nature.

What have you learned about your practice in the time of COVID: I have learned more than ever that healthcare is an ever-changing field that needs to learn to adapt to the current events. However, even though the technology and settings may change the focus is always on the quality of care delivered to patients.