As our three chief residents prepare for graduation on June 15, they share their post-graduation plans, reflect on highlights of their training and living in St. Louis, and offer parting words of advice for their colleagues. Please join us in celebrating their successes and many contributions to the department and the field of anesthesiology.
Avi Dobrusin, MD
Next steps
I will be doing fellowships in cardiothoracic anesthesiology and critical care medicine at Johns Hopkins University.
Highlights of residency & living in STL
My best experience in residency was as the acting fellow in the cardiothoracic ICU. It was a very challenging rotation, but it was invaluable to have more autonomy while still being supported by attendings and other clinicians.
My favorite part of living in St. Louis has been all of the hiking and biking trails around the area and the ever-changing restaurant scene.
Parting advice
Always be willing to lend a hand to a co-resident, whether that means helping them start a difficult case or giving them a break in the middle of the day. It is always much appreciated!
Sam Erlinger, MD
Next steps
I’m staying at WashU for fellowship in adult cardiothoracic anesthesia. After that, I’ll have to see what the job market has in store for me.
Highlights of residency & living in STL
I met my fiancée as an intern, so it’s hard to top that. I’ve had many great times with my co-residents, and being a Chief Resident with Avi and Mallory has been quite the ride. The best clinical experience is hard to narrow down, but an open AAA going smoothly is one of my favorite cases, especially if Dr. Liu pats me on the back.
I’m from St. Louis, so my favorite part is when worlds collide and friends from different times of my life meet each other. Tower Grove Park might be my favorite spot in the city, and I enjoy the beer scene here, especially Zwickel from Urban Chestnut.
Parting advice
Make habits out of doing things the right way, even if it requires more effort up front. It will eventually become second nature, but it’s hard to break bad habits after the fact. Try to learn something from every case and constantly ask yourself if you understand every component of what is going on. Also, stay active and get outdoors.
Mallory Hawksworth, MD
Next steps
I will be staying at WashU for a fellowship in obstetric anesthesia. Be sure to stop by Parkview Tower and say hi!
Highlights of residency & living in STL
The best experience in residency has been working alongside my wonderful co-residents! They were always willing to lend a helping hand or support me on a tough day. They have truly become my close friends, and I cannot wait to see where the future takes them.
My favorite part of St. Louis is definitely Forest Park! During the summer, there are endless activities such as Shakespeare in the Park, the Great Forest Park Balloon Race, the St. Louis Zoo, and the Muny. Even in the winter, I love driving through the park and having an escape from the city.
Parting advice
My advice for residents is to look for the learning opportunity in each case and from every patient. Even a seemingly simple case may teach you something new!