Following are reflections by resident scholars after a motivating and moving first day in Telluride, 2013! Thanks to all who have shared their thoughts so far. Keep the great ideas coming–

By Michelle Espinoza

Just finishing my first 24 hr call as “the” senior resident and Chief, I began my journey into Telluride completely exhausted.  I was fully aware of my limitations as a human being,  and my heart was still pounding thinking about the 18 patients whose lives had been entrusted to me overnight. However, I was joyful. I was not only going to a beautiful place that seemed to be the inspiration for all of  Bob Ross’s masterpiece paintings, but also a place where I had hoped to develop and mature as a doctor–“Doctor” as defined by its rudimentary latin origin, “to teach”.

However, today’s experience was life changing. Today it was reaffirmed to me why I had decided to make medicine my vocation. You see for me, Medicine is not just a career, it is a God anointed life calling. To be here in Telluride is truly a blessing, and to be surrounded by such knowledge, talent, wisdom and passion is AMAZING.

Today I learned that I am not alone in thinking our hospitals are one of the most dangerous places for patients. That my internal conflict regarding my concerns for residency training is not isolated to my hospital, and that there are people who not only believe this is wrong, but have dedicated their lives to making a change. It’s divinely inspiring and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the week brings.

By Heather Batchelor

After the first day at the Telluride Patient Safety Resident Summer Camp, the same word encompasses my awe as I was riding up the mountains to the gorgeous view that awaited us at Bear Creek Lodge yesterday: Wow.  Today was such an incredible experience of sharing and learning from other residents and leaders in quality and safety.  Already my expectations from this week have been surpassed.  Today’s most moving moment for me was watching the video of Lewis Blackman story.  The discussion that this emotional film triggered was truly remarkable and I appreciate my colleagues sharing their experiences without fear or hesitation.  The most striking thing I have found from discussions both inside and outside of the classroom, is that even though we are from all areas of the country with varying backgrounds, we all face very similar barriers when it comes to patient safety: hierarchical culture of medical training, honest communication, and implementing change.  Today set the tone for the rest of the week, and I am excited to learn from all of our differences and similarities in how we can all make positive changes for patients, families, and colleagues.