Thank a Resident Day takes place each year on the last Friday of February to collectively show gratitude and appreciation for residents around the globe and showcase how integral they are to the healthcare team. This year, Thank a Resident Day will be held on Friday, February 23!

As you know, residency provides an in-depth exposure to medical practice through graduate medical training. It can often mean long working hours matched with many responsibilities, so it’s important to encourage, uplift, and support the future of our healthcare workforce.

The Louisiana Academy of Family Physicians (LAFP) strongly encourages all Louisiana family medicine residency programs, healthcare systems, and LAFP members to reach out to family medicine residents and thank them for pursuing a career in primary care/family medicine.

The best way to support family medicine residents every day of the year is by encouraging your health system or residency program to fund resident memberships in associations like the LAFP to support residents in reaching their professional goals; sponsoring a resident (or two) to attend LAFP events to become engaged in the Academy from the start of their physician journey; and/or donating to the LAFP Foundation, which helps fund opportunities for resident leaders to attend the American Academy of Family Physicians National Congress of Family Medicine Residents, are a few great ways to start.

You’ve been in their shoes. Be sure to thank a resident on Friday!