2020-2021 Chief Resident Spotlight: Hima Veeramachaneni

How did Emory’s residency program prepare you for your future career?
I can honestly say that Emory’s residency program was the perfect fit for me and prepared me for any type of career that I wanted to pursue. Having four hospitals in the training program provided a diversity of patients, attendings, and settings that allowed for maximal flexibility and knowledge for any future working environment. I was challenged in this program but always knew that I had support if I needed it and that the support was always a friendly attending who was more than willing to help and teach. I could not imagine training anywhere else and getting this type of experience!

What’s the biggest takeaway from your year as a chief resident?
My biggest takeaway from chief year is that change does not happen overnight and requires determination behind the scenes. As part of our nature, we often wonder, “Why couldn’t this just be changed” or “Why don’t they do it this way?” but as chief resident you get to witness the complexity behind every program, every workflow, and every task. Changing requires taking into account all of these things, and requires patience and collaboration, which in turn takes time. That is why even small changes that benefit those that you are leading deserve to be celebrated as huge victories!

What is one piece of advice you would like to give to incoming Emory residents?
My advice to future Emory residents (and, of course, the current ones) would be to lean on the community around you. Residency is tough, no matter what program you are in, and the only way to get through it is to confide in, learn from, and enjoy time with your co-residents, faculty, and mentors. Not every day is going to be a great day, but all the great people around you make the days so much better!

What will you miss the most about Emory’s residency program?
I will mostly miss the residents and faculty that I have gotten so close to over these past four years. I truly feel like I have a family here and I am so grateful that I get to stay at Emory as a gastroenterology fellow! While I am in a different role and won’t be able to interact with them daily, I know that they are a quick walk, text, or call away, and I look forward to the hallway smiles and hugs over the next three years.

What do you enjoy most about living in Atlanta?
What is not to love about Atlanta?!?! I moved here for residency four years ago and I fell in love with this city. I love the diversity, the kind people, the amazing food, the plethora of events and activities, and I love being able to work at these fantastic hospitals! It is impossible to pick just one thing!

What are your career plans for after residency?
I am so excited to be staying at Emory and Grady for a gastroenterology fellowship and I am hoping to pursue a career in transplant hepatology.