Comments from a graduated Subintern and Resident

My experiences as a fourth year Subintern introduced me to the world of inpatient family
practice. It provided me the opportunity to interact with the residents at Fitchburg Family
Medicine Residency as well as with the attendings. The best part of the experience for me
was getting to know the nurses and staff at Leominster Hospital. it was the first place
throughout medical school that felt as comfortable as home.

When I first arrived at the hospital at 8pm on a Sunday night, I was greeted by a kind young
security guard who knew I was scheduled to arrive and who escorted me directly to my room.
He directed me to back my car right up to the hospital doors and insisted on carrying my bags.
My room was inviting: neat and clean with a sink, a huge window, and cable TV. The resident
on call introduced herself with a great big smile. It was a pleasant beginning.

From that morning I felt a part of the medical team. My senior resident was extraordinary -
intelligent and industrious. She helped me hone my skills writing thorough H&Ps, thoughtful
ICU notes, and efficient patient interviews. I was encouraged to be independent with rounding
on patients, speaking with specialists, and presenting cases at morning report. Morning and
noon lectures were concise and educational. I remember most fondly the few moments we
had to sit and chat, moments which were mostly filled with laughter.

The faculty was highly interested in making my experience at FFMR worthwhile. One-on-one
training sessions and supervised patient interviews provided constructive criticism of my skills
and knowledge. At the end of the four weeks of sub-internship, I felt that my knowledge of
family practice had multiplied exponentially. I even thought I might be able to handle the task
of being a family practice resident. But I knew that I wouldn't find a place that felt more like
home than Fitchburg Family Medicine.

Kristin Sanderson, D.O.
PGY 2