Resident Perspectives

John Hayes, M.D.

Thanks for everything. Carilion is a great program second to none, at least from what I have observed here. Keep up the great work!

Kristen Ickes, D.O.

It has only been a few months since I completed my training at Carilion Clinic and looking back, it is one of the best decisions I have ever made. I always told people I was lucky to work there. It is not only an outstanding training program but it became a part of me as a person and a doctor.

My life has been forever touched by my mentors and patients at Carilion Clinic/Salem VAMC. You have made me the physician I am today. The size of the facility allows you to see pathology of the young and old and have access to all the modern amenities, but the dedication and heart of the faculty give this program a feel all its own. It has a personal touch. At no point did I ever feel alone. There was constant support, guidance, and above all education.

Now that I am out practicing, I know not only did I have an excellent medical education but I learned first hand through you, my attendings, the kind of physician that I wanted to be. Thank you Carilion for a wonderful three years. I know that I will continue to learn and grow as a physician but my roots will always be in you. Your influence cannot simply be put into words but is reflected in my daily practice.

I hope that I will make you proud and know that a piece of my heart will always be in Roanoke.

Jason Foreman, D.O.

I wanted to thank you for the impact you have made in my life over the past three years. It has been an honor to be a part of this program and I wish that my words could begin to reflect the admiration that I have for each of you. Please do not ever forget the significance that your teaching and guidance have on the individuals that you mentor every day. Whether you realize it or not, leaving here in the next week or so is going to be difficult because of the influence you have made.

Andrea Morgan-Bedasse, M.D.

The Carilion Clinic residency program and Salem VAMC have helped me to grow not only as a physician but also as a person. I especially appreciate the robust support that the residents receive for research activities.

Jeff Neal, D.O., Pharm.D.

My residency at  Carilion Clinic has been the most rewarding professional experience of my life.  I interviewed at many IM programs and am pleased that I have the opportunity to train in this environment.  The pathophysiology we experience here is incredible.  We are a level I trauma center that serves a total population of over one million people with the most active air ambulance in the state of Virginia.  As a second-year resident, I still feel the excitement of the unknown each time I am called to admit a patient.

The didactic experiences offered here rival that of any institution.  We are presented daily with multiple structured lectures by specialists in different areas as well as fellow residents.  Also, our faculty make a point to initiate multiple "chalk talks" or informal points of learning daily.

Finally, I feel the absolute strength of our program is the faculty.  These guys have pushed me from day one  to be a better resident, a better doctor and a better person.  What sets them apart is they invest themselves in your growth as a physician.  It is not always easy, but it is very rewarding in the end.

I recommend this program to any graduating physician.  It is an exciting time to be here given we are in the process of opening a medical school and beginning multiple subspecialty fellowships.  The success of our recent graduates as well as the credentials and comraderie of all the residents makes this a great place to train.