Hope, healing and the medical residents who make a difference

The important role residents play in the health system

Jad Barakat was born with congenital cirrhosis, a condition in which significant liver damage is present before or at birth.

Jad had a relatively healthy childhood; but in 2022, when he was 23, his liver failed and he received a liver transplant at Keck Hospital of USC. As with all transplants, recovery required a long hospital stay, and Jad fell into despair.

He found hope in the compassion of his care team — especially Dr. Sean Donohue, a surgery resident who assisted in his transplant.

“Sean could see that I was struggling, and he spent time checking on me, sitting by my bed, just listening to me,” said Jad. “I poured my heart out to him, and he was my angel.”

Residents like Sean — doctors in their post-medical school training — bring a special energy and passion to their work, and Keck Medical Center of USC is fortunate to benefit from the talents of some 300 residents at Keck Hospital and USC Norris Cancer Hospital.

While we have had a long-standing relationship with Los Angeles County sponsoring residency programs, Keck Medicine began its own residency program five years ago with graduates of the Keck School of Medicine of USC practicing in family medicine. Since then, our residency programs have expanded to include many specialties, including anesthesiology, internal medicine and psychiatry. Residents work under the guidance of attending physicians — board-certified doctors who have completed their training.

In a strategic effort to strengthen our health system with the talents of up-and-coming physicians, medical residents are also now practicing at USC Arcadia Hospital and USC Verdugo Hills Hospital.

And for the first time, residents, along with  fellows — doctors who have completed their residencies and are now training for a sub-specialty — and Keck School medical students, will practice at one of the health system’s outpatient facilities, our brand new state-of-the-art medical office building in Pasadena.

Residents play an important role in the health system. They not only represent the next generation of physicians, many of whom we hope will continue their careers with us, but their involvement also leads to better patient outcomes.

Studies show that when residents are part of a care team, there are fewer complications and deaths. Residents add an invaluable extra layer of support, reviewing patient charts and offering diagnoses and treatment input.

Another advantage for patients: Residents are very present in the hospital, often becoming a familiar and reassuring presence.

“When we care for a patient, we are connected to them for life. They are our family,” said Sean.

I am appreciative of the extra level of care residents provide — something you can only find at an academic medical system like Keck Medicine. Under the leadership of Dr. Glenn Ault, the designated institutional official and senior associate dean for graduate medical education at the Keck School, medical residents will play an ever-expanding role in our care, to the great benefit of our patients.

As for Jad, due to complications inherent in his congenital liver disease, last spring, he underwent a second liver transplant. He recovered more quickly this time around. He’s healthy, back at the gym and work, and looking forward to proposing to his fiancé in the next few months.

And who made sure to visit Jad during his recovery from the second surgery, even though no longer on transplant surgery rotation? Sean, of course.

Studies show that when residents are part of a care team, there are fewer complications and deaths. Residents add an invaluable extra layer of support, reviewing patient charts and offering diagnoses and treatment input.

Rod Hanners, CEO of Keck Medicine of USC

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