A Unique Role - Internal Medicine Residency Coordinator

The arrival of a new Graduate Medical Education (GME) Internal Medicine residency program at Sierra View Medical Center meant a professional opportunity for Internal Medicine GME Residency Coordinator, Brandi Holmes. Brandi was previously the administrative assistant to Dr. Jeffery Hudson-Covolo, DNP, the Chief Nurse Executive, who also serves as the Designated Institutional Officer (DIO) for the recently launched Internal Medicine GME Program at Sierra View, and will continue to work closely with him. Residency programs are a postgraduate component of medical education and the next career step for medical school graduates wishing to start practicing medicine.

“When the opportunity presented itself, I was excited about the idea of working with new physicians in a residency training program, as well as being part of helping build a program from the ground up,” Brandi said.

At the end of 2019, when Brandi stepped into her now current role, she played an integral role in establishing the residency program and helping to receive program accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) in September 2020.

As the first ever, SVMC Graduate Medical Education Internal Medicine residents arrived earlier in June, Brandi is beyond excited as the program will officially begin in a matter of days. This new program will train the healthcare leaders of tomorrow and is something we’ve all been waiting for at SVMC!

“It’s an exciting time for us,” says Brandi. “We have 16 residents that are joining us that have come from different parts of the world. Collaborating and working together as a team is critical to achieve the best care and outcomes for our patients, while doing so with compassion and sensitivity to promote well-being for our colleagues and patients.”

When Brandi was asked what has been the most rewarding aspect of her role as Internal Medicine Residency Coordinator, she shared that there are several things that come to mind, but the most rewarding is being able to advocate for resident wellness. Medical training can take a toll with the many challenges residents may face during their professional journey. It is extremely important to Brandi and the program’s leadership to help protect the well-being of SVMC’s residents.

Brandi and the rest of the GME Internal Medicine Residency faculty, including Paul Watanakunakorn MD, Program Director, Internal Medicine Residency, and Dr. Hudson-Covolo, can’t wait to introduce the inaugural SVMC GME Internal Medicine residents. Be on the lookout for an introduction to SVMC’s first Internal Medicine Residency cohort.