This month, the Department of Pediatrics hosted events to celebrate its graduating residents: Lovefest: Senior Resident Recognition and Residency Awards on June 4, and the formal Residency Graduation Ceremony on June 6 at the Monona Terrace.
Resident graduation at the Department of Pediatrics is always a potent mix of celebration, reflection, and gratitude. The department is especially grateful for the dedicated work of our outgoing chief residents, Rachell Caniza, MD; Mark Kiley, DO; and Ryan Lindstrom, MD. These physicians spent the last year meeting their clinical responsibilities in addition to training, mentoring, and supporting their fellow pediatric residents.
Of her time as chief resident, Caniza said, “My chief resident year has surprised me: I realized there is more to being a chief resident than leading conferences and teaching. I’ve enjoyed being a source for advice, a friend to lean on and vent to, and an advocate for my co-residents. My advice to incoming residents is to know there’s more than one way to lead, and to lean into your own personality — you might find new interests to become passionate about.”
Caniza will be remaining at the UW as she begins a fellowship in pediatric endocrinology.
Kiley reported, “Chief year was a whirlwind. I grew in my educating ability, clinical acumen, mentoring skills, and organization. Most of all, though, I built lifelong connections with great UW residents and faculty. To the incoming chiefs, Allison [Emmet] and Jalal [Khan]: ‘You’re already outstanding and are an asset to everyone in the program. My advice is to be yourselves and trust yourselves — you’re well-prepared. You’ve got this!’”
Kiley’s next step is the Pediatric Hospital Medicine Fellowship at Advocate Children’s in Chicago.
Lindstrom said, “Finishing our third year of residency and also doing a chief year was both more and less work than I anticipated: it was a great experience in time management. It’s been a pleasure getting to know our administration team: they keep the machinery of the residency going. Thanks to Brittany, Ronni, Mack, and Kari! For those coming in, chief year is a lot like being an intern again. It’s a new role and the first month can be extra stressful — but it gets easier! Rely on others to help you when you need it.”
Lindstrom’s next step allows him to stay at the UW as one of the pediatric hospital medicine fellows.
Residency Program Director Daniel (Dan) Sklansky, MD, associate professor, Division of Hospital Medicine and Complex Care, offered words of enthusiastic gratitude for the trio of outgoing chiefs:
“We have been incredibly fortunate to have such a great team of chiefs this year, especially in a new leadership paradigm. Dr. Mark Kiley is our lone graduated chief, coming to us after completing his pediatrics residency at Advocate Children’s Hospital-Park Ridge. He teamed with our own PGY-3 residents, Drs. Rachell Caniza and Ryan Lindstrom, to form a formidable chief team, with Dr. Kiley fulfilling most of the daily chief roles while Drs. Caniza and Lindstrom consulted on the lived experiences of our program, collaborated on solutions, and took the reins when Dr. Kiley was attending on the wards or otherwise away.
“Dr. Kiley hit the ground running despite the hurdles imposed by learning about an entirely new system. He connected with everyone on our team immediately, showing his genuine enthusiasm for teaching, mentoring, and problem-solving. He has been a joy to work with, and we will miss his high spirits and leadership as he returns to the Advocate system in the Chicago area to complete a fellowship in pediatric hospital medicine.
“We are very fortunate to have Drs. Caniza and Lindstrom remaining right here in Madison for their respective fellowships in pediatric endocrinology and pediatric hospital medicine. They have been incredible members of our residency education team. We are grateful for their pragmatic insights, positive energy, role-modeling, and flexibility trialing a new leadership system. We are deeply grateful for their contributions to our team while simultaneously serving as senior residents, and we look forward to their contributions here during their fellowships and hopefully beyond!”
Associate Program Director Derek Spindler, MD, assistant professor, Division of Hospital Medicine and Complex Care, also offered his acknowledgement and appreciation to the outgoing chiefs:
“A huge thank you to Drs. Mark Kiley, Rachell Caniza, and Ryan Lindstrom — all your hard work and commitment have made a huge impact on the success of our program. Dr. Kiley: your willingness to jump into a new program and demonstrate strong leadership from the outset is remarkable. Your educational skillset and enthusiasm have been invaluable, and you will make an outstanding hospitalist. I am excited for you to return home to Chicago, but you will be missed! Drs. Caniza and Lindstrom: your commitment to jump into the chief role all while completing residency is a testament to your dedication, and your contributions are recognized with sincere gratitude. You are excellent role models for the residency. I look forward to working with you both during your fellowships and beyond. A sincere thank you to you all for your continued support for the UW Pediatric Residency Program — you are an outstanding team, and I have enjoyed working alongside you this past year.”
Photo by Kate Feldt/Department of Pediatrics