The turn of the academic year is a time of transition and new beginnings. The arrival of new residents and fellows brings fresh perspectives and enthusiasm for learning. The first few weeks are often filled with angst as they adapt to their new roles and realize the additional responsibility of their position in our organization and healthcare profession. Tasks that were once the duty of others are now expected of them. Some have been away from clinical work for months, and about two-thirds have never worked in our hospitals and clinics, making this transition challenging. Senior residents and fellows also transition to new roles and new firsts, such as being the first stop for complex decision-making and taking on primary teaching responsibilities of the next wave of students and trainees that will one day follow them. I have had the honor of attending on the internal medicine wards in July for almost every year of my faculty career. It is my favorite time of year because I feel so lucky to witness these transitions and see the switch that occurs in the first few days of the new year – moments where anxiety converts to a sense of pride and wonder at the trust placed in them.
Simultaneously, our resident, fellow, PT, OT, audiology, and research graduates have completed a pivotal chapter in their lives. They are entering the workforce, ready to apply their skills and knowledge to make a meaningful impact on medicine and science. This transition comes with its own set of challenges as they acclimate to their new setting, adapt to new technologies, and establish themselves as professionals. As they bring their expertise to diverse healthcare, academic, and industry settings, they work to fulfill our mission to serve the needs of patients and society with utmost care and dedication.
During this time, we, too, have the opportunity to reflect upon our journeys thus far, reset, and orient toward the expectations and challenges of the years to come while helping to create the culture and climate we all hope to see. As members of the health professions education community, we all continuously strive for excellence, and the turn of the academic year presents an opportunity for each of us to take the necessary time to rejuvenate ourselves, reflect on our accomplishments, and form new goals for this year and the future. Many of us will take a much-needed break during this time. Over the 4th of July week, I had the opportunity to spend time with my family visiting North Carolina – enjoying the outdoors and each other. I hope you, too, will embrace this renewal period. By doing so, we can enhance our teaching, reinvigorate for innovation, replenish our spirits, rekindle our passions, and gain a fresh perspective on our roles and responsibilities – whether through reflection, seizing new opportunities, or learning from the many new faces who will join us this year. I wish you all the gift of renewal this summer.