Articles

We have enjoyed hosting dozens of applicants at our Town Hall informational sessions over the last few months. Even in a virtual format, we are able to feel the excitement and interest from these future residents. Below are a few of the great questions that are frequently asked during these events and during interviews:

Q: What are the strengths and challenges of your first-year program?

A: One of the most important strengths of the program includes a sincere desire for and focus on resident success, particularly in the first few years. Leaders in the program, within the hospital, the faculty, medical staff, and many others see residents’ success as directly related to the program’s overall success. We want the residents to succeed just as much as they want to succeed in preparing for their life as a physician. This will lead to individualized attention and a closer working relationship with the attending, giving a higher level of transfer of training, knowledge, and potentially clinical responsibility.

Also, leadership opportunities abound for residents in a brand new program. This class will be able to substantially influence how the entire training infrastructure is shaped, steering the system for future residents/interns.

We like to say, “Even though we are new, we are not alone.” As part of the long-established Baptist Memorial Medical Education program, we have a wealth of resources and knowledge at our disposal, and work very closely with teams at our sister programs and corporate leadership.

On the flip side, certainly there could be the potential for interns to feel the lack of senior residents as guides with first-hand support. Also, as with any trial period, there is the potential that methods and approaches would need to be changed throughout the course of the first few years of the new program. With only first-year residents in the program, there could also be the potential for them to feel slightly alienated; however, it could also be an opportunity to form even closer bonds than your typical class of residents.

Rest assured that while we understand that we will certainly face challenges and growing pains, we have intentionally and deeply thought through many of those and have developed plans to overcome them. And for those bumps in the road we can’t foresee, that’s where our can-do attitudes and teamwork will certainly pay off in dividends.

Q: Describe the ideal resident for your program.

A: The inaugural class in the Internal Medicine residency at Baptist North Mississippi will be nothing short of historic, and as such, their personalities, work ethic, and general demeanor will need to be outstanding. Flexibility and resiliency come to mind first. Even though the foundation and support for this new training experience is very strong and the path ahead has been incredibly well thought out, there will inevitably be adjustments needed along the way.

Strong leadership skills are also a must. As we build the future of healthcare here in North Mississippi, the first class of residents in Oxford will be at the forefront of that journey.

Finally, an enthusiastic and pleasant attitude rounds out this list of major attributes the ideal resident would possess. After all, we might as well have a little fun while we’re making history!

Q: Are there plans for a mentorship program for the residents?

A:Absolutely, and we like to point out that there is a big difference between “mentorship” and “career advising,” and we plan to offer strong resources in both areas. While everyone will be paired with an advisor to assist them in preparing for their life after training, maybe more important than that will be mentoring. As Core Faculty Member Dr. Sumner Abraham likes to say, “We don’t just want to know what you want to do. We want to know who you are and what your story is.” That’s where mentorship comes in. These mentors will be carefully selected to fit each resident’s interests (both professional and personal), backgrounds, and personalities. This is intended to create a deeper, more meaningful experience while also addressing the typical needs for career considerations.

Q: Will there be away rotations?

A:Yes. There are three rotations that will not be offered in Oxford – Endocrinology, Geriatrics, and Infectious Disease. These will be offered in Memphis, TN, just over an hour’s drive from Oxford. Housing and/or mileage reimbursement will be provided to our residents.

Also, considering that each of these three rotations are scheduled later in the residency, there is a possibility that at least some of them will be available in Oxford by that time. Recruitment efforts are currently underway and include candidates’consideration of those specialties as part of the Internal Medicine residency. 

Q: Will you able to offer support for pursuing fellowships?

A:Yes. One of the many positive aspects of being connected to a larger, well-established healthcare system will be strong support and connection to fellowships within the Baptist system. While the future could hold fellowship programs in Oxford, there are plenty of opportunities for advancement within the Baptist Memorial Medical Education family.

Q: What benefits will be offered through the program?

A: As one of the largest healthcare systems in the South, Baptist Memorial Health Care Corporation offers all employees (which residents will be considered) a comprehensive benefits package. While the specifics of our program’s benefits are still being finalized, it will likely be very similar (if not identical) to our sister programs. For reference, you can view the benefits packagesof the internal medicine programs at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle and NEA Baptist on these sites:

https://www.baptistonline.org/physician-resources/internal-medicine-residency/golden-triangle

https://www.baptistonline.org/physician-resources/internal-medicine-residency/nea

Still have questions? There are several more Town Halls scheduled in 2021, so sign up for one today by e-mailing [email protected].