u/Melodic-Course6228

FYI Rochester: hospitals like URMC, RGH, and Unity are run on the backs of resident physicians. Every June and July, a new group of doctors starts residency training (who have JUST completed medical school one month ago) and are your first physician contact in the ED, units, ICU, CCU, etc are a brand-new intern (post graduate year 1, aka PGY-1).

Do yourself—and your healthcare team—a favor:

• Use the ED for TRUE emergencies and urgent concerns.
• Schedule with your PCP for chronic issues, medication refills, paperwork, and ongoing symptoms that aren’t emergencies.
• Refill medications before you run out.
• Don’t stop medications abruptly without talking to your doctor.
• If you’re on blood thinners, don’t miss doses.
• If you don’t have a PCP, make finding one a priority...

And yes, June and July are a busy transition period. New interns are learning, senior residents are taking on more responsibility, and everyone is adjusting to new roles while those who are at the end of training are seeing the light at the end of MANY years working 60-80 hours a week with never ending loans accruing…

Please be patient with your healthcare team—we’re doing our best to take good care of you.

Sincerely,

a resident who is tired, understaffed, $80k+ in debt, and still trying their best.

Ps if you do need the ED… PLEASE keep an up-to-date medication list accessible (and help your loved ones make one too)! You should know what medications you’re taking and WHY you’re taking them.

Understanding your medications is one of the most important ways to stay involved in your own health.

Senioritis is wild. Some of these graduating seniors are really riding the fact that they’re mostly untouchable 2 weeks out from finishing.

If you know anyone who owns or operates a food truck/cart with healthy options, please encourage them to consider parking near the University of Rochester Medical Center medical campus during lunchtime. There’s a real demand here for fresh, healthier meals like salads, grain bowls, wraps, smoothies, etc.

Right now, there are usually only 3–4 carts outside the medical campus at lunch, and most primarily serve burgers, hot dogs, and other fried foods. Many students, residents, staff, and hospital employees would absolutely support vendors offering healthier alternatives.

The cafeteria options at URMC are also fairly limited, so a vendor with nutritious, quick lunch options could do very well here. Please help spread the word!!!