After rotating through many institutions as a medical student, one of the things that most impressed me about Good Samaritan was the "resident-friendly" atmosphere.  The residents here seemed truly happy and had not lost the enthusiasm that most of us have upon graduating from medical school.

Academics are a top priority, and learning takes place in a relaxed, non-intimidating manner.  For instance, daily morning report is an interactive session consisting of both a case presentation and an educational didactic session.  The theme of the didactic sessions changes monthly, providing a framework for an organized review of general internal medicine and its subspecialties during each year of training.

Another perk at "Good Sam" is the unique combination of training at the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center and Good Samaritan.  The system is similar to that used at other university-based internal medicine programs.  With the guidance of my assigned resident and attending physician, I enjoyed a great degree of autonomy regarding patient care decisions.  At the VA much time is spent mastering the skills of everyday medicine as well as critical care medicine.  In contrast, working at Good Sam provides valuable exposure to a community-based health care delivery system in a state-of-the-art quaternary teaching hospital where we see a large number of high acuity and unusual cases.

I could not fail to mention the naturally beautiful environment surrounding Phoenix.  I feel privileged to live in an area which is a major vacation destination for many from less temperate climates.  It was almost guaranteed that my days off were sunny.

I will be in Utah for my GI fellowship. I'm happy with my decision to train in Arizona and feel my superior training at Good Samaritan has prepared me well.