Chris Sielski, DO

My name is Chris Sielski, DO. I am a PGY-2 resident in the psychiatry program at LVHN. Right now, I am rotating on the adult inpatient psychiatric unit at LVH–Muhlenberg and my day starts at 7 a.m. I join my co-residents in the resident lounge and start the day by chart reviewing. If there are medical students, I check in with them and discuss their patient assignments for the day. I head to the unit around 8:30 a.m. and see all my patients. During the mornings, we have collaborative rounds. This is a fantastic opportunity to discuss patients’ cases with the full treatment team including nursing and case management. After rounds, I meet with my medical students to go over presentations, teach common topics and answer any questions. Then, I meet my attending to discuss each case. I review the assessment and plan with my attending physician. The discussion-based focus highlights the collaborative emphasis of the program. Afterward, I will work on notes, call family members to update them on treatment plans and then get lunch. I usually go with co-residents to the cafeteria and take time to catch up on how they are doing. I return to the unit by 1:30 p.m. when group sessions start. On certain days, I will lead the discussion and further educate patients on diagnosis and medications. The session lasts one hour, and afterward I will finish my notes and make any other phone calls. After all the work is done, a typical day will conclude around 5 p.m.

Today as I am writing this, we have didactics. Didactics are noon-4:30 p.m. each Wednesday, and we discuss a variety of topics each week. There will be two lectures ranging from new research in the field of psychiatry to reviewing articles or chapters of different psychiatric textbooks. We also have speakers from other specialties to learn psychiatric care from a different lens of focus. Then, there is protected time for board preparation where the residents collaboratively answer questions to prepare for our board-certification exam. Lastly, we have group supervision, a time when the residents can meet with our program director. We can provide feedback on the residency and share clinical cases with our colleagues.

After leaving the hospital, I like to do a lot of different activities. I will go for a run, go to trivia with my co-residents or read an enjoyable book. Right now, many residents are getting together regularly to play board games, and that has been fun. I also like to explore Allentown and Bethlehem, learn the best places to get food or check out interesting local events, such as concerts or food festivals. These are great ways to recharge around town.