A Letter to the Resident Starting My Service

Joseph Dearani, Chair of the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, graciously shares a copy of the letter with which he welcomes cardiothoracic surgery residents as they embark on their rotation on his service. Dr Dearani’s letter describes the importance of professionalism, preparedness, responsibility, introspection, and honesty to both self and others. It would be equally appropriate as an essay defining the key elements of a successful and productive relationship between a trainee and mentor in any surgical subspecialty.