Honouring the dedication, passion, and impact of our remarkable residents.
Every February, UBC Orthopaedics marks Resident Doctors Appreciation Week—a chance to shine a spotlight on the surgeons-in-training who form the heart of our learning environment. Their curiosity, compassion, and commitment to excellence shape not only the future of orthopaedic surgery but the culture of our department.
This year, we spoke with five faculty members who shared what makes working with residents so meaningful. Their reflections reveal a deep sense of pride, gratitude, and inspiration drawn from the next generation of orthopaedic surgeons. Throughout the week, we’ve highlighted these messages across our platforms—and we’re proud to bring their stories together here.
Dr. Jeff Potter: “Their enthusiasm makes every day rewarding.”
Resident Appreciation Week kicked off with a message Dr. Jeff Potter, Associate Director, UBC Ortho Residency Program, who reflected on the joy of witnessing residents’ growth over time.
“I really get as much enjoyment from their enthusiasm and seeing them progress… it’s fun seeing that.”
For Dr. Potter, learning is a shared experience—one enriched by the energy and momentum residents bring to the operating room, clinic, and research environment. Their eagerness to improve encourages faculty to continually elevate their own teaching and clinical practice.
Dr. Patrick Chin: “They challenge us—in the best possible way.”
For Dr. Patrick Chin, one of the greatest joys of teaching is the intellectual spark residents bring to the program.
“Residents today, especially ours, are really intelligent, really smart… They always ask challenging questions—they challenge us, which is always a good thing.”
Dr. Fay Leung: “It’s a real privilege to be part of your professional and personal development.”
Dr. Fay Leung, Director, UBC Ortho Residency Program, reflected on the deep meaning she finds in mentorship.
“It’s a real privilege to be part of your professional and personal development, and to play even a small role as you move toward the careers and lives you’re building. Watching you grow into the surgeons and leaders you’re meant to be is incredibly rewarding.”
She shared that supporting residents through both their professional and personal growth is one of the most fulfilling parts of her role. Seeing trainees evolve into confident clinicians and future leaders, she noted, is a privilege that underscores the lasting impact of teaching.
Dr. Ashlee Dobbe: “I appreciate the questions and energy they bring to the OR.”
Next, Dr. Ashlee Dobbe spoke about the excitement of working with residents in the OR.
“My favorite past is the enthusiasm that they bring to the OR… I appreciate the questions and the energy they bring”
Their curiosity, she shared, is a driving force in creating an environment of active learning and collaboration – one where thoughtful questions move care forward and deepen everyone’s understanding.
Dr. Carrie Kollias: “It really is a privilege to teach.”
Dr. Carrie Kollias reflected on the profound meaning of mentorship.
Teaching residents, she emphasized, isn’t simply about transferring knowledge: it’s about guiding future surgeons as they develop skills, confidence, and clinical judgment. She highlighted the reward is in watching residents grow into the compassionate, capable physicians they are becoming.
Dr. Adrian Huang: “We see your effort. We appreciate each and every one of you.”
The series concluded with a heartfelt message from Dr. Adrian Huang, who spoke directly to residents.
“We know your work is hard. You’re not just training to be residents—you’re training to be the next generation of doctors. And I want to assure you that we see the effort. We appreciate each and every one of you. Thank you for everything you do.”
His words echo the feelings of our entire department: gratitude, admiration, and deep respect for the dedication residents show in every aspect of their training.
Honouring Our Residents
Throughout Resident Doctors Appreciation Week—and every week—we recognize the immense impact residents have on patient care, research, clinical teaching, and the culture of UBC Orthopaedics.
Thank you to all of our residents. We appreciate you, we believe in you, and we are honoured to work with you.
Learn more about the UBC Orthopaedics Residency Program.