Khawla Abusamra, MBBS, and Thien Thanh Nguyen, MD, are fourth-year residents in the UK College of Medicine Department of Neurology. As they near the end of their programs, they reflect on the department’s exceptional training and the lasting friendships they built along the way, including with one another.
In the following joint Q&A, Dr. Abusamra (KA) and Dr. Nguyen (TN) share more about their experience and what future UK neurology residents can expect.
Q: Why did you pursue a residency at UK?
KA: I value diversity and consider it an essential aspect of learning in any successful program. During residency interviews, I learned that UK embodies diversity everywhere – inside and outside campus – which was very attractive to me. In addition, UK has a superb reputation locally and nationwide, which makes graduates of UK stars wherever they go after graduation. The neurology program is very well structured and includes an amazing group of faculty who have built such a great program. I was positive that UK was the right place for gaining the knowledge and experience I always wanted.
TN: UK provides high-volume, patient-centered care and has a diverse group of faculty members. This combination of factors creates an environment that I believe will help me grow as a medical professional and enable me to make a positive impact on the lives of my patients.
Q: What have you enjoyed most about your experience?
KA: Where should I begin? The positive experience at UK and its neurology residency is just beyond description. The work environment is welcoming, and we’re all one big family here at UK. I thoroughly enjoyed working with my co-residents throughout my residency. Everyone is supportive and truly cares about each other. The work atmosphere is designed to encourage residents to grow their knowledge and experience with a perfect work-life balance. And best of all, it is making a true difference in the lives of patients and their families!
TN: During my residency journey, I have come to appreciate the incredible hospitality of the faculty and staff who have gone out of their way to make me feel welcome and supported. In addition to the faculty and staff, my colleagues have been a constant source of support and encouragement. We have formed strong bonds, sharing in each other's successes and challenges and collaborating to provide the best care for our patients.
Through the long hours, stressful moments, and triumphs, we have grown together as a team and formed lasting friendships. I am grateful for the sense of community and camaraderie that has developed during my residency, and I look forward to maintaining these relationships for years to come. The connections I have made during this journey have become like a second family to me, and I know that they will continue to provide support and encouragement throughout my medical career.
Q: How has UK prepared you for your future career goals?
KA: The experience I have received at UK will continue to motivate me to strive for excellence in everything I do. The neurology training at UK has provided me with the solid foundation and excellence in leadership skills that will guarantee success in my future career. I am equipped to work toward completing any challenging tasks and difficult patient situations as effectively as possible while maintaining professional growth and self-wellness.
A few months into the end of my residency, I look back at the successes I achieved and know that I wouldn’t have reached them without the continuous support I received throughout my residency.
TN: Residency has been an invaluable experience for me, providing me with a solid foundation of medical knowledge, skills, and confidence that I will carry with me throughout my career. The rigorous training and mentorship that I have received during my residency have prepared me to tackle the challenges of future fellowships and job opportunities with confidence. Through exposure to a wide range of clinical scenarios, I have developed a deep understanding of various medical conditions, their diagnosis, and treatment strategies. The countless hours spent perfecting my technical skills have honed my abilities to handle complex cases with ease. Additionally, the experience of working in a team and collaborating with other health care professionals has helped me develop the communication and leadership skills necessary for success in any medical setting.
Overall, my residency has given me the tools and confidence to pursue my goals with determination and a sense of purpose. I am confident that the knowledge, foundation, and skills I have gained during my residency will serve as a strong foundation for my future pursuits, be it a fellowship, job, or any other aspect of my medical career.