Spotlight On...
Jedd Roe, MD, MBA, FACEP, MD, University of Alabama at Birmingham's Emergency Medicine Residency Program Director

Tell us a little bit about your medical education background:
I have had a bit of a circuitous path to emergency medicine. Growing up in Colorado, I had always been a skier and when I gave up racing to be a ski patrolman and EMT, I was introduced to and hooked on emergency medicine. I went to the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin, Ireland, which turned out to be a fantastic exposure to international medicine and the art of practicing medicine. Later, I did a transitional year in Spokane, Washington and my emergency medicine residency at Kern Medical Center in Bakersfield, California. My main development as an academic faculty member occurred at Denver Health Medical Center where my duties mainly focused on EMS, quality improvement, and resident education. After obtaining my MBA at the University of Denver, I became the medical director at Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland, Oregon. This was a great experience, but I found that I missed working closely with residents and so came to UAB.

How long have you been involved in resident education? And what positions?
At Denver Health, I joined the residency steering committee and coordinated the rotations in EMS and quality improvement. In Portland, I coordinated the rotation for EM residents from Oregon Health Sciences University through our ED. I came to UAB in 2004 as the program director.

What do you feel is the most rewarding part of being a Program Director?
Watching the quantum leaps that take place in a resident's development and knowing that you've had a small part to play in such growth, is by far and away the greatest source of my job satisfaction. Continuing that relationship after residency as colleagues and friends is another source of ongoing enrichment. I've been in this field long enough to have many residents go to many communities and other academic settings and celebrate many achievements as professionals and people, and I take great pride in that. They are difference-makers in every aspect of their lives, and I'm privileged to know them.

What is the worst part about being a Program Director?
Paperwork, paperwork, paperwork! :) Every program and every person goes through tough times, and sometimes, difficult decisions have to be made that affect careers and lives. Not everyone is a good fit for emergency medicine and different paths may need to be taken. Residents can have personal issues overwhelm their lives just like anyone else, and while support is always there for the resident, it can be difficult balancing that against the need of meeting programmatic requirements. The rewards more than compensate for these difficulties though.

What is one thing your residents would be shocked to know about you?
Hmmm. That I remember what it's like to be a resident? That I really do think about having to make unpopular decisions and have the residents' best interests in mind? I think my residents know me pretty well and that I care about them. Maybe they would be shocked to know I have a creative side and am a budding novelist. I try to be honest, lead by example, and let them know they'll have my support to achieve their dreams.

Why should an applicant be interested in your program?
As a young program, we are open to meeting needs and providing opportunities. While we are new here, our leadership has been doing this residency thing for quite a while, and we have a clear vision for the program. UAB is nationally known for medical excellence and research, and is a vibrant, youthful community. Anyone that does come here is guaranteed to leave as a superb clinician prepared for either a career in the community or academics.

What does your program offer that is different from other programs?
While we have many unique rotations, incredible resources from UAB, and a brand-new 44,000 sq ft ED, our strength is our people. The enthusiasm and dedication faculty and residents demonstrate daily was the major reason I came here from Colorado.

How many applications did you have last year?
We are fortunate to have received over 300 applications for our six slots this year that came to us from all over the United States.

If you could give one piece of advice to interested applicants, what would it be?
Personal integrity is paramount. Once lost it cannot be regained. It is possible to work hard and have fun at the same time. Pursue the career you are passionate about and success and personal enrichment will follow.