Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Permian Basin welcomed new residents and fellows at orientation this week.
Participants learned about the mission, vision and values of TTUHSC, practical information about research opportunities, as well as how to manage the realities of fatigue and burnout during such an eventful transition.
This year, 56 residents and 12 fellows are joining the TTUHSC Permian Basin location.
Residents are newly graduated physicians who will begin training in their respective medical specialties. These new residents will soon start their specialized training in Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Psychiatry or Surgery.
The 12 new fellows, physicians who have completed their residency training, will be joining their respective programs for additional training in a sub-specialty. Four of the fellows are a part of an inaugural class, two in the Pulmonary Disease Fellowship, and two in the Critical Care Fellowship. The remaining eight fellows will be joining fellowships in Endocrinology, Cardiovascular Disease, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Emergency Medicine.
“Every year, we look forward to the arrival of new residents and fellows,” John P. Garcia, Ph.D., assistant academic dean of Medical Education, said in a news release. “They not only enrich our communities, but also inspire us with fresh perspectives. We look forward to guiding and supporting them through their journey of discovery and achievement.”
Dr. Don Garnsey, Family Medicine, is among the new first-year residents. Garnsey is originally from Harvey, Michigan, but moved to the Permian Basin years ago to work in the oilfield. He graduated from the University of Texas Permian Basin and was a participant in TTUHSC’s Family Medicine Accelerated Track (FMAT) Program, an innovative 3-year accelerated medical school curriculum that culminates into an M.D. degree.
“I am excited about coming back to where I got my start,” Garnsey said.
Aware of the need for primary care providers in the area, he added that he hopes to practice in West Odessa or some other remote part after he completes his residency.
