Day in the Life of a Resident
Day in the Life of a Resident
Audrey Adler, MD
Where are you from and where did you go to medical school?
I am from Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. I went to medical school at University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine.
What attracted you to the PM&R residency program here at the University of Utah?
I was really drawn to this program for a few reasons. First, I felt it offered well-rounded training in all areas of PM&R. Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital has a large catchment area, so we see a wide variety of patient presentations, including high-acuity, complex cases. I knew that would give me great hands-on experience. On top of that, the program has strong sports medicine, spine, and neuromuscular training opportunities—everything I was looking for. Second, the residents and staff I met were welcoming and seemed genuinely excited to be part of the U community, which was important to me. Lastly, the ability to get a backcountry ski or trail run before work makes this place an outdoor dream!
What particular aspects of the program do you think have been most beneficial to you?
As a PGY-2, having my intern year here at the University of Utah was such a perk! It gave me a chance to get comfortable with the hospital systems, and I got to meet not only the PM&R residents but also the internal medicine and preliminary residents. I already feel like I’ve got a great community here. The research support has been fantastic too. There are so many projects going on, and all I had to do was show interest, and I was connected with a team.
What is your most memorable experience during your residency?
One of my most memorable experiences was a patient case where I finally felt confident handling both the medical side of things and talking with the patient and their family about the tough situation. It felt like everything I’d been working toward—understanding the science and learning how to incorporate empathy and compassion into my practice—really came together.
Do you have a mentor? If so, who is it? And how has this person helped you?
Having just gotten back in the world of PM&R, I have not established a specific mentor yet. I have worked with Dr. Glinka Przybysz and Dr. English on case reports and their mentorship in the process was very helpful. Their support helped so I got 2 accepted posters to AAPM&R annual conference this year!
What is your favorite activity outside of work?
My favorite activities outside of work including trail running, backcountry skiing, going climbing with my husband, and hosting dinner parties. Also, SLC has a great music scenes and concerts here have been quite fun!
What is your most memorable experience outside of work?
My most memorable experience outside of work during residency was running the Salt Lake City Half Marathon with other co-residents. Not only was it the perfect spring day in April, but it was so fun to have a group of 10 residents all stoked on running! Afterwards, we had a front yard BBQ as we cheered on our friend who was doing the full marathon. We made a tunnel for her to run through and brought her dog so they could run the last mile together. Being surrounded by a community of residents who also wants to be active in the outdoors is something I greatly appreciate about living here.
Chase Young, MD
I am from St. Louis, Missouri and went to medical school at University of Missouri-Kansas City.
After my interview, I had gotten a very positive vibe from everyone and felt like this program would foster a very healthy learning environment that would not only offer me great training but also would encourage me to be a whole person with interests and hobbies outside of medicine. Plus the mountains.. the access to incredibly beautiful nature/outdoor activities here is second to none.
One of the aspects of the program I really love is the fact that the University of Utah keeps all the prelim interns so many of the people I became close friends with during intern year that are in neurology, anesthesia, etc I will get to continue to see throughout my time in residency.
Hard to pick just one, but I have to say orientation week starting off with a camping trip to Zion was pretty awesome. It was my first time in Zion and experiencing that while getting to know my new co-interns was unforgettable and definitely one of the highlights of intern year for me.
I have really enjoyed all the hiking since I came here and lately have gotten very into pickleball.
Hiking Lake Blanche in early fall and enjoying a beer or two at the top with a bunch of my co-residents.
Cody Crandall, MD
Where are you from and where did you go to medical school?
I’m from Cottonwood Heights, Utah, and I attended medical school at Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine.
What attracted you to the PM&R residency program at the University of Utah?
During my fourth year, I was fortunate to complete an audition rotation at the University of Utah. I had exposure to both inpatient and outpatient physiatry and was impressed by the breadth and complexity of cases. I also appreciated the many fellowship opportunities available here, especially as I am still exploring subspecialties within PM&R. I was heavily involved with TRAILS and realized volunteering should be uplifting and fun for both the participants and the volunteers.
What really sealed the deal, though, was the camaraderie. I quickly connected with the residents—we played pickleball, they invited me to join a kickball league and had a BBQ together within my month rotation. I immediately felt welcomed into a warm, energetic, and supportive team.
What aspects of the program have been most beneficial to you?
The relationships with my co-residents have made all the difference. We genuinely enjoy spending time together, and there’s rarely a moment without laughter. Residency is demanding but having a team that supports each other makes the journey not only manageable but fun.
What is your favorite activity outside of work?
Having grown up in Utah, most of my hobbies include playing outside. I am an avid skier and have grown up skiing Snowbird/Alta and can’t get enough. I know exactly where to be on a powder day and where to find endless pow that has tried to drown me a time or two!
What is your most memorable experience outside of work?
Playing golf with my wife, Sabrina, is one of my favorite ways to unwind. We love our evening 9-hole dates, and last year, I shot one under par on 18 holes at Stonebridge with her by my side. It was an unforgettable moment having finally chased down this lifelong goal.
Hank Shipman, MD
Where are you from and where did you go to medical school?
I grew up mostly in Salt Lake City, I went to undergrad at Michigan (go blue), and then medical school here at the University of Utah.
What attracted you to the PM&R residency program here at the University of Utah?
Several factors made the University of Utah PM&R residency program the right fit for me. I wanted broad training with strong inpatient neuro-rehab exposure, and the program’s high patient volume and large catchment area provide diverse learning opportunities and experience with a wide range of neurologic conditions. I felt that training here would prepare me well for a variety of career opportunities. Additionally, having worked with many of the faculty during medical school, I knew I would be well-supported. The program leadership and department faculty are not only experts in their fields but also genuinely kind, passionate about rehab, and deeply committed to resident education and wellness.
What particular aspects of the program do you think have been most beneficial to you?
I think the program strikes an excellent balance between support and autonomy. As I’ve progressed in my training, I’ve been trusted with increasing responsibility while always having support available when needed.
What is your most memorable experience during your residency?
There have been countless meaningful moments shared with patients that I’ll never forget. It’s truly an honor to witness the strength, vulnerability, and resilience of the people we get to work with.
Do you have a mentor? If so, who is it? And how has this person helped you?
I’m fortunate to have a whole team of mentors. Dr. Park has been my go-to mentor for spinal cord injury, helping me tailor my training for maximum SCI exposure, apply to conferences, network with colleagues at other institutions, and build long-term relationships with patients by following them in clinic after discharge. Doctors Allred, Ehn, Hansen, Garstang, Willick, and Steinberg (among others) have also taken the time to meet with me individually, offering invaluable support and thoughtful advice on career decisions. Their guidance has been instrumental in both my personal and professional growth. Finally, I’ve been lucky to have incredible senior residents who have always been willing to help. Andy Kramer, Dalton Brady, and Tim Curtis, in particular, have gone out of their way to offer support and mentorship throughout my training.
What is your favorite activity outside of work?
Depends on the season, but either biking or skiing.
Kory Ford, MD
Where are you from and where did you go to medical school?
I am from Ankeny, IA and went to the University of Iowa for medical school.
What attracted you to the PM&R residency program here at the University of Utah?
I was impressed with the reputation of Utah having phenomenal inpatient and outpatient training across all aspects of PM&R, with internationally acclaimed attendings at each step of training. This was all confirmed during my away rotation as a medical student, and I was also able to see firsthand the supportive, collaborate, and downright fun group of residents. Coupled with the unparalleled access to the outdoors it was the perfect program for me.
What particular aspects of the program do you think have been most beneficial to you?
My experience on the inpatient services have been phenomenal, thanks to the supportive and knowledgeable attendings we get to work with. Opportunities for sports coverage have been plentiful and great learning opportunities. Research has been easy to get started with ample support. More than anything else, though, my co-residents and our program leadership have made residency some of the best years of my life.
What is your most memorable experience during your residency?
Ski clinic coverage, and all of the interesting and acute injuries that come along with it.
Do you have a mentor? If so, who is it? And how has this person helped you?
My mentor is Dr. Willick, one of our outpatient sports medicine doctors and the sports medicine fellowship director. He has helped guide me through residency as I prepare for application into sports medicine fellowship, and has also been a wonderful attending to do sports coverage/ski clinic with.
What is your favorite activity outside of work?
Depending on the season – skiing in the winter, hiking/trail running in the summer, hanging out with co-residents during all seasons!
What is your most memorable experience outside of work?
Trekking to base camp of Mount Everest in 2023 with my wife.
Sophie Andrews, MD
Where are you from and where did you go to medical school?
I am originally from Alabama but quickly moved west and have spent all of my memorable life in Oregon. I grew up in Bend, and I went to medical school at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland.
What attracted you to the PM&R residency program here at the University of Utah?
The mountains and the TRAILS program drew me in, then my away rotation as a 4th year medical student sealed the deal. The culture here in Utah fosters genuine connection among residents, and also among the faculty and staff we work with on a daily basis. There is an incredible sense of mutual support and appreciation.
What particular aspects of the program do you think have been most beneficial to you?
Intern year! We have the gift of training alongside the categorical internal medicine residents, as well as other prelim interns from different specialties. There is so much camaraderie built during our intern year that we get to carry through residency.
What is your most memorable experience during your residency?
I received an anonymous gift basket through our wellness program from someone who felt I had gone out of my way for one of my patients. It was so genuine and kind-hearted, and it has brightened my day each day since!
Do you have a mentor? If so, who is it? And how has this person helped you?
Not officially, but Dr. Green at Primary Children’s is who I have talked to about my interest in pediatrics, and he has expressed his dedication to helping me achieve whatever I want to in pediatrics. Despite not having a fellowship, I feel supported by all the pediatric rehab faculty here.
What is your favorite activity outside of work?
I love to mountain bike!
What is your most memorable experience outside of work?
Daniel and I’s trip to Southeast Asia before starting residency. We got to spend 5 weeks traveling around through Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, and Singapore!
Renate Meckl, MD
Where are you from and where did you go to medical school?
I am from Oconomowoc, WI and went to medical school at University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine.
What attracted you to the PM&R residency program here at the University of Utah?
My interview, despite being virtual, really sold me. I had great conversations with the faculty and residents and definitely saw myself being able to thrive in the culture and environment that this program fosters. The opportunities that this program provides are helpful for gaining exposure within the field and honing our crafts along the way. The added bonus is certainly Salt Lake City and the mountains. Being this close to top-notch recreation is such a benefit to take advantage of with any time outside of the hospital/clinics. The people here are just as wonderful as I sensed during interview day so it really has lived up to every bit of the hype!
What particular aspects of the program do you think have been most beneficial to you?
The people and support you receive here has absolutely been the most beneficial. Whether fellow interns, senior PM&R residents, attendings/faculty, there is such a collaborative and collegial culture here that really fosters an effective and enjoyable learning environment. My fellow residents are some of my best friends which makes the experience and journey so worthwhile and fun!
What is your favorite activity outside of work?
Definitely spending time in the mountains! Whether hiking, biking, camping, cross-country skiing, or snowboarding, any time of season in the mountains is the best. My dog, Chip, and I are always ready for adventure!
What is your most memorable experience outside of work?
Our class of PM&R interns (plus spouses/partners) is going to Glacier National Park before starting our 2nd year and staying in a huge log cabin AirBNB for the week! This hasn’t happened yet at the time of writing this…but it will absolutely be the most memorable experience of the year!
Riley Martinez, MD
Where are you from and where did you go to medical school?
From The Woodlands, TX. Went to Medical School at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.
What attracted you to the PM&R residency program here at the University of Utah?
The program seemed full of residents who were so excited about PM&R and life in general. When I did my away rotation, I was blown away by the passion the residents had for their patients, the specialty and all the activities that living in a place like SLC made possible. The program strikes the perfect balance between working hard and being well and happy outside of work.
What particular aspects of the program do you think have been most beneficial to you?
As I have only completed my intern year in internal medicine at this point, it is tough to say exactly what will be the most beneficial. Even as an intern however, I have been able to attend a few of the resident lead ultrasound didactics which have been super useful.
What is your most memorable experience during your residency?
First 28 hour shift in the ICU :O Cant wait for some cool PM&R memories!!!!
Do you have a mentor? If so, who is it? And how has this person helped you?
I don’t have one specific mentor yet but everyone I’ve reached out to for help this past year has been incredible and I look forward to meeting all the wonderful people in PM&R
What is your favorite activity outside of work?
Summer: Hiking, climbing, taking my dogs to Mill Creek Canyon, BBQ’s, brewery hopping
Winter: Snowboarding, bonfires
What is your most memorable experience outside of work?
SO many things to choose from!! Obviously, all the days spent out in the mountains have been incredible but one that will always be my favorite is climbing up Angels Landing with my PM&R co-interns during orientation. Such a fantastic way to kick off residency!
