Residents at work

We strive to make learning fun, not just in the ED but also during resident conferences. Our most highly rated conferences are procedural/skills days, simulation conferences, and our month-long cadaver lab. Over the last few years, our conference days have evolved to include more simulation and small-group sessions targeted to each PGY class (each class splits up for separate activities planned just for them).  We have an annual Resident Wellness Day in place of our typical conference, which allows all residents to relax, have fun, and build camaraderie.  Our Wellness Committee hosts biannual Book Club meetings, at which our residents are provided with fun, non-academic books, and have lively discussion with catered lunch.  We also have game-themed conferences dedicate to Board Review.  Residents prepare for the In-Training Exam via Jeopardy, Cash Cab, charades, etc.

Our senior residents embrace their role as teachers and mentors. Residents advocated for the implementation of a resident teaching shift, which began in 2015.  As a teaching shift resident, our PGY3s work closely with interns and students, with an emphasis on learning, as opposed to moving large patient volumes.  Our residents are very involved with medical student education. The emergency medicine interest group (EMIG) is the largest interest group at UMKC School of Medicine. Our residents help train the EMIG members to compete in SimWars competitions and regularly give lectures and host workshops for the interest group.

Residents outside of work

When not working, residents enjoy spending time together. Favorite activities include attending Royals, Chiefs, or Sporting KC games, playing Pickleball, or hitting up local bars. Our residents enjoy gathering up their four-legged friends and meeting at local dog parks. Regularly planned gatherings include an annual intern welcome party, and an annual farewell party for the PGY3s, both hosted by some of our outstanding attendings.  Our interns also host monthly parties during the month that they are on their Anesthesia rotation.  These provide great opportunities to get to know our colleagues and staff.