UF urology chiefs reflect on lessons and milestones from residency

In this video, University of Florida PGY-5 chief residents Miranda Eubank, MD; Trisha U. Nguyen, MD; and Jordan Matthews-Smith, MD, reflect on memorable moments from residency, the unexpected relationships they formed, and the lessons that have shaped their development as surgeons and physicians.

Each recalls a defining milestone, from independently performing ureteroscopy to being trusted as a member of a surgical team and, ultimately, leading a junior resident through a challenging Fournier gangrene case. These experiences provided tangible reminders of their growth in technical skill, confidence, leadership, and their ability to care for patients independently.

The residents also discuss how their relationships with their co-residents became one of the most meaningful and unexpected parts of their training. Although they entered a traditionally male-dominated specialty, Eubank, Nguyen, and Smith formed a particularly close bond as the department's 3 female chief residents. They emphasize that their residency experience extended beyond learning urology, as they supported one another and celebrated major personal milestones. The strong relationships they developed with their entire residency class have become an important part of their memories of training and have helped shape their outlook as they prepare to enter the next stage of their careers.

For incoming residents, the chiefs emphasize the importance of building a strong support system, developing identities and relationships outside of medicine, and learning to accept constructive criticism without taking it personally. They acknowledge that residency can be humbling and overwhelming, particularly when residents feel they still have a great deal to learn, but encourage trainees to trust the process and recognize that their skills and confidence will develop with time and hard work. As they prepare for fellowship or careers as attending urologists, the 3 chiefs express gratitude for their training at UF and excitement about continuing to build connections within the urology community.