FARMINGTON, Conn. — In recognition of Thank a Resident Day, UConn Health is celebrating the dedication and impact of its medical and dental residents, whose advanced training and patient care efforts play a vital role across Connecticut.
UConn Health currently trains more than 850 medical residents and fellows in over 85 graduate medical education programs. The institution also supports more than 110 dental residents across eight advanced dental specialties, including Orthodontics.
Dr. Scott Allen, chief medical officer and patient safety officer at UConn Health, said the institution’s residency and fellowship programs are a major source of physicians and dentists for the state.
“Through our consortium hospitals, residents and fellows care for the vast majority of hospitalized patients in the Hartford region,” Allen said. “They are a critical part of the region’s health care workforce and key contributors to our excellence in quality, patient safety, and patient experience.”
Dr. Steven Lepowsky, dean of the School of Dental Medicine, emphasized the contributions of dental residents and fellows.
“Thank a Resident Day gives us an opportunity to express our deep appreciation for their dedication and hard work,” Lepowsky said. “Their commitment to learning and delivering high-quality patient care is inspiring.”
At the School of Medicine, leaders highlighted the scale and national standing of the institution’s training programs.
Dr. Bruce T. Liang, dean of the School of Medicine, said residents and fellows are preparing to become the next generation of physicians and surgeons through nationally recognized programs.
“We are proud of the compassionate care they provide to patients across our partnering hospitals,” Liang said. “Their work strengthens the health of communities throughout Connecticut.”
The School of Medicine’s Graduate Medical Education program, led by Dr. Kiki Nissen and Dr. Steven Angus, ranks among the largest residency sponsors in the United States, placing in the top 10 percent nationwide by size.
As Thank a Resident Day is observed, UConn Health leaders say the message is simple: residents and fellows are indispensable to patient care, medical education, and the future of health care in Connecticut.