Congratulations & Welcome – Celebrating our Residents

During the past week, I had the privilege of attending two separate Doctors of BC hosted Resident events. The first event celebrated all graduating Residents, the second welcomed all new Residents just starting out in British Columbia.

Completing residency is a huge milestone in a young doctor’s personal and professional life –marking the end of a long journey and the beginning of an exciting and challenging new adventure. Doctors of BC’s annual Resident Graduation Dinner acknowledges this rite of passage, celebrates this significant achievement, and welcomes these new graduates into the profession.

The energy in the room that evening was contagious as more than 100 graduates, along with their friends, families and loved ones expressed their relief at completing residency, their excitement about the road ahead, and their gratitude for an event that recognizes such a momentous occasion in their lives. Those of us who have gone through this experience remember the mixture of emotions – the excitement at entering “the real world” and being out there on our own, as well as the underlying anticipation about being independent in practice, without a preceptor or attending to back you up. But the truth is these graduates – our new colleagues – are never alone. As a profession, we are known for supporting and mentoring new physicians as they venture out and forge their career. These are our “doctors of tomorrow” and we’re here to welcome them with open arms.

Just a few days later, Doctors of BC hosted the New Resident Reception that followed Resident Doctors of BC’s “New Member Orientation Day.” More than 300 first year residents attended, enthusiastic about starting the next chapter in their lives and careers. After a full day of information overload on topics such as the Physician Health Program, Insurance benefits, Doctors of BC services, and much more, the afternoon reception offered an opportunity for these young professionals to relax, laugh, and celebrate with friends, former classmates and new colleagues before many of them leave Vancouver and spread across our beautiful province.

Congratulations to this year’s graduating residents and a big welcome to all of our new residents. As each of you begins your new journey, remember – we’re here to support you every step of the way.