Hello colleagues,
I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself and our residency program in a different way. The details that fit in neat, bulleted points matter. They are the bones of our program. They represent the decisions of our team and previous ones that shape pediatric training for our community. Yet, we are more than our bones. I want to highlight the intangibles—the reasons I call Phoenix Children’s home.
When you have a stumble on your record, the best approach is to own it. For Phoenix, this is summer. Like many of you, I moved to Phoenix (from Indiana) in mid-June. Summer for me was warmth on my skin after many bitter, gray months and freedom to enjoy the outdoors. Here you may find yourself baking cookies in your car for fun and wondering if you are standing in front of a hot vent, only to realize the vent is everywhere. But in December, you are enjoying a rooftop patio when your friend says, “You have to turn around.” You are met with a strawberry orangesicle sky that still takes your breath away after 20 years living in the desert. With so many examples (vibrant restaurants, views-for- miles hikes, unique neighborhoods, team races in the mountains), you hear yourself repeating the common Phoenician expression, “This is why we live here.” You are not even mad at yourself for saying it because it is true.
I joined Phoenix Children’s in 2011. On my interview, I felt the buzz. I have always been in awe of my colleagues for their dedication, compassion, and brilliance; yet something was different about this place that I couldn’t quite name. It wasn’t until I worked here for many years that I realized it. We are, of course, driven to provide safe, excellent care, but also in our culture is paying attention to the small things make this place feel like home for everyone. For example, every hospital has a boring back hallway, but someone here realized it could be a canvas for patients’ artwork that would lift the spirits for patients transported to imaging and staff walking by.
One of the most important intangibles of our residency program is that no matter how big we become, there are enough seats at the table for each person to matter. For me, this meant taking quality improvement, a subject that many people loathed, and shaping it into something where everyone can contribute to make us better. For others, their passions are research or advocacy or global health. Phoenix Children’s Residency Program Alliance continues to be my home because we welcome new ideas and encourage each other to find what matters most. When you find your calling, it is electric. When you share it, you transform an entire place.
We hope you will join us at the table,
Kristi Samaddar