Resident Testimonials

Alisha Bland, PGY III

Applying and interviewing for a position in a residency program is not an easy task, but making the decision to come and train at UMMC was a no brainer for me. I already felt like a part of the family from the interview! I never felt like I was being interviewed for a job- it was so apparent that each person I talked to truly wanted to get to know me and learn about my passions in pediatrics. My co-residents, attendings, and program staff have proven to me that they want me to succeed and are willing to support me with whatever I may need. I feel like I found my home here at UMMC and I'm so thankful!

Helen Cunningham, recent graduate

Why UMMC? Easy... the people! As I interviewed with UMMC Pediatrics, I immediately felt a connection with the residents and knew they could become some of my lifelong best friends. This has proven to be true every single day. Residency is a tough season of life, but it is made so much better if you have amazing friends by your side, to support you, to commiserate, to snack with on the late-night shift, to celebrate small wins and big life events, and to simply learn and work alongside on a daily basis. I know each of these people that I have met through UMMC will be a part of my life, long past the end of residency. For that, I am eternally grateful!

Jason Simpson, recent graduate

When interviewing for residency positions, one of the things that immediately stood out about the program and people of UMMC was their intentionality. Each interaction I had was real and genuine, and this led me to rank UMMC as my number one choice. Residency can be demanding, especially when you are working in the only Children's Hospital in a state with a statistically sick population. However, what I found in this program is a wonderful group of people who care deeply for each other from the program director down to the newest of interns. The intentionality that I saw during my interview has continued on in the way that everyone is so willing to lend a hand to anyone who might need it. It's cheesy, but this program truly is a family, and I'm so privileged to be able to learn medicine from each of them.

Danielle Bryant, DO

When I was interviewing for residency at UMMC, I immediately felt connected to the program. Between the faculty and residents I met, I sensed the family feel of the program and care that people had for each other. In addition, Children’s of Mississippi has the highest level of care in the state! There is so much diversity in patients and pathology to learn from. I have even seen cases that I thought I would only read about in a textbook! Since starting residency, I have only confirmed my intuition about the learning and support I have received. I have met some of my best friends through this program that will be lifelong relationships wherever we go next! I have also met many great mentors that I can go to for advice about life and medicine alike. I am so happy that I was chosen to be a pediatric resident here at Children’s of Mississippi! 

Brooke McKnight, MD

I chose to train at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) because of the patient population, collaborative and family-like environment among fellow residents, and dedicated faculty. From my rotations as a medical student and through my intern year, the diversity and complexity of cases presented by UMMC's patients were my favorite aspect, offering rich opportunities to develop as a physician. The friendship and supportive atmosphere among fellow residents assured me of a community where I could learn and grow alongside amazing peers. Equally important, UMMC's faculty demonstrated a commitment to education and mentorship that was evident in their availability and genuine interest in resident success. I am confident that UMMC will provide me with the knowledge, skills, and compassionate approach to patient care that will shape my career and make me into a well-rounded physician.

Aren Presnall, MD

When applying for residency my number one question each interview was: How would your program react in the case of a resident emergency or life changing event?  It may seem like an odd question, or even off topic from your usual interview questions. However, it meant a lot to me to know that I would be supported not only as a physician, but as a human being. Here at UMMC I feel like part of a family. Everyone from the program administrators/leadership to my co-residents is happy to help and truly cares about my education and career goals. Not only does the program have a good working environment, but you also get to train at the state's only children's hospital. I have experienced diagnoses and treatments not seen in many other places in the United States. I am so excited to learn side-by-side with such wonderful friends and physicians.