UMMC Medical Student Anesthesiology Interest Group Meet and Greet

By: Dr. Renira Rugnath and Nickhil Rugnath (MS-3)

Every year, thousands of graduating medical students across the country begin the grueling residency application process. While their strategy for ranking programs is highly individualized, a commonality among them is a perceived goodness of fit, with 87% of U.S. allopathic and osteopathic students citing it as the primary consideration during their decision making. Furthermore, with Anesthesiology rising to become one of the most competitive specialties in the 2023 Match, it has become even more integral for medical students planning to apply to Anesthesiology to begin building a familiarity with their home programs and cultivating strong mentorships. To drive this initiative, the UMMC chapter of the Anesthesiology Interest Group (AIG) strives to provide its 92 student members opportunities to form those professional relationships and participate in scholarly pursuits to advance their careers. As outgoing AIG President, Renira Rugnath, who is now a first-year resident in the UMMC Anesthesiology residency program explains, “I am so grateful for the time and energy my mentors put into fostering my passion for Anesthesiology. Many faculty members have helped our medical students gain opportunities on a regional and national level, so I think a core objective of our interest group is to introduce students to the faculty early in their medical school journey and to help them develop strong connections with the department throughout their time here.” One such venture to achieve this goal was the AIG Meet and Greet that took place on Saturday, June 24th. With over 50 people in attendance, it was a time for celebration, to reminisce the past year’s accomplishments, to announce the new term officers, and to introduce students to the current residents and faculty. The incoming President, Nicky Rugnath, also shared his vision for the interest group and all of the exciting events planned for 2023-2024 year, including game days, case workshops, and department panels.

This event was also a great opportunity to deepen the sense of community and comradery among members of the department, to connect outside of the workplace and foster the strong friendships across residents and faculty. Attendees participated in boat rides while snacking on an assortment of appetizers and desserts, chicken gyros, tandoori chicken, and shrimp peri-peri. The food was generously furnished by the department, and with no leftovers in sight and the last guests leaving after 10 pm, we consider the event to be a massive success and one which AIG hopes to continue annually. The feedback from residents, faculty and medical students were also very supportive. One resident noting how it was “so inspirational to see so many medical students interested in Anesthesiology. The department is moving in an exciting direction and glad to be part of this!” Pediatric Cardiac Anesthesiologist, Dr Michelle Sheth, also notes “meeting the medical students before they rotate with us in a non-intimidating way is a great way to release the pressure they feel on their rotations. This is the first time I have recognized the med students rotating with us each month, and they have come up and talked to me while I am at work and I really enjoy that interaction. I do hope the department will continue to support these events.” AIG really appreciates the support and is so grateful for the time and effort the department puts into the interest group. It is readily apparent that the department is composed of genuinely kind and hardworking people who are willing to support each other through all of residency’s achievements and hardships. It is an incredible network of people in a truly special department that every student in attendance no doubt could envision a goodness of fit.