“I fell in love with the sense of connection”
After rotating at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital as a medical student, I fell in love with the sense of connection. The residents all seemed to operate as a family and had incredibly close relationships with the teaching faculty. After matching at SBCH I can confirm that my expectations were not only met but surpassed- it’s been an absolute privilege to train in an environment where I’m encouraged to be compassionate, team-driven, and constantly curious. My close bonds with our faculty have allowed me to feel comfortable asking questions- I’m encouraged to find my independence as a provider, but also know there is unequivocal support and assistance any time. My co-residents are some of my favorite people on the planet and it’s a gift to spend every day working so closely with such an encouraging, funny, and intelligent group. They make me better as a doctor, and I can only hope I offer the same to them. We’re collectively challenged by a diverse array of pathology, often caring for the most marginalized populations in the area. I’m so thankful to have undergone my residency training at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital and would choose it again in a heartbeat.
Summer Baird, M.D.
Class of 2021
