Caring for New Doctors So They Can Care Better for Patients

Residency often is the most rigorous part of medical training, when new doctors spend years working under the supervision of experienced physicians and learning how best to care for patients.

And while residents are caring for their patients, Jefferson Health is caring for them — looking after the well-being of new physicians and making sure they receive the support they need during a critical time.

Why is this so important? Because when residents feel supported and cared for during their training, it translates into better care for patients.

Jefferson Health has received national gold-level recognition as a Joy in Medicine^® health organization, an award given by the American Medical Association (AMA) for successful efforts in prioritizing clinician well-being.

“We have a tremendous responsibility to train exceptional physicians while supporting their well-being,” says Amy Jibilian, MD, Chief Wellness Officer with Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN), part of Jefferson Health. “It is an honor to be recognized by the AMA for the work that we have done to prioritize clinician well-being at Jefferson Health including that of our residents and fellows. 

“The physical, intellectual, emotional, and psychological demands on a resident are strenuous and at times overwhelming,” Dr. Jibilian says. “We embrace the mission to provide a safe and supportive learning and work environment for our residents so they may thrive during the challenging years of residency and in their future careers as physicians.”

Comments from existing residents – and from those who stayed after their training – show the various ways that medical residents have a positive experience at LVHN.

Residents interviewed for this article confirm that they feel supported and cared for during their training, allowing them to focus all of their energies and talents on quality patient care.

“The AMA Joy in Medicine recognition reflects the culture I’ve experienced throughout my training,” says Callie Moran, DO, a third-year family medicine resident.

“Our program prioritizes resident well-being by fostering an environment where feedback is welcomed, colleagues support one another, and faculty are genuinely invested in each resident’s success,” she says.

“This culture has shaped me into a more confident physician, leader, and advocate, and it is one of the aspects of my residency I will value most.”

Luke Ciminera, DO, a third-year resident in internal medicine, talks about the “culture of support” he has experienced in his training.

“Knowing that the institution values its residents has made my experience both rewarding and fulfilling,” he says. 

“I am grateful to have trained in an institution where investment in resident well-being directly translates into better physicians and better patient care.”

Krishna Patel, MD, who is in her third year of internal medicine residency, agrees. 

“From my very first day, I felt valued, encouraged, and included,” Dr. Patel says. “Beyond outstanding clinical training, the mentorship and unwavering emotional support I have received have helped shape me into not only a better physician, but also a better person.

“The culture of compassion, teamwork, and excellence makes this program truly exceptional,” Dr. Patel says. “I am deeply grateful to be part of a residency that emphasizes exceptional clinical education, strong values, and a good sense of community.”

The positive culture experienced by medical residents is reflected in the strong commitment they have to LVHN after graduation.

“More than 30% of our medical trainees decide to join our medical staff after they complete their residency,” says Joseph Patruno, MD, Designated Institutional Official, Graduate Medical Education, Jefferson Health – Lehigh Valley Region.

In a survey of those who stayed at LVHN over the past 10 years, former LVHN residents cite a positive training experience, supportive faculty, meaningful clinical work, collegial relationships, positive department culture, professional development opportunities, and flexibility to accommodate clinical interests and career goals as reasons they chose LVHN over other hospitals seeking their talents.

Dr. Jibilian sums up the national recognition, and the culture of caring for physicians in training, this way:

“We are investing in the lives of these amazing individuals so they may provide healing, comfort, and exceptional care to their patients as they pursue the noble profession of medicine.”