University of Florida chief residents discuss mentorship, self-care, and residency success

In this conversation, University of Florida chief urology residents Miranda Eubank, MD; Trisha U. Nguyen, MD; and Jordan Matthews-Smith, MD, reflect on the importance of mentorship, the personal growth that occurs throughout residency, and the lessons they wish they had known at the start of training.

The residents highlight the value of mentors who are accessible, compassionate, and invested in understanding each trainee's individual goals and decision-making process. They also emphasize that effective mentorship extends beyond finding a single influential faculty member. Rather than relying on one mentor, they encourage residents to build a network that includes professional mentors, personal mentors, peers, and sponsors, noting that each fulfills a distinct role. While mentors provide guidance and emotional support, sponsors help create opportunities and advocate for career advancement, making both relationships essential to professional development.

Reflecting on the transition into residency, the women share practical and personal lessons learned over 5 years of training. They reflect on the overwhelming nature of intern year and how the drive to constantly perform can come at the expense of basic self-care. Looking back, they stress that taking time to meet personal needs—whether it's stepping away briefly, staying hydrated, or simply recognizing one's limits—is critical to maintaining resilience throughout residency rather than trying to be constantly available or productive.

The discussion concludes with broader reflections on how residency intersects with life outside the hospital. The residents note that while training is an intensive commitment, personal milestones, challenges, and relationships continue to evolve during that time. Rather than viewing residency as a period in which life is on hold, they encourage trainees to embrace the ways their personal experiences shape them as physicians and surgeons, enhancing empathy and patient care. They also advise applicants to consider quality-of-life factors, including location and proximity to loved ones, when selecting a residency program, recognizing that personal well-being plays an important role in long-term success.