Welcome Letter
From the Program Director
Dear Prospective Residents,
I am Dr. Abigail Polzin, and it is with immense excitement and pride that I invite you to consider joining our pioneering program. This marks a significant milestone as the first of its kind in South Dakota, tailored to offer comprehensive and innovative training in Emergency Medicine. We are committed to fostering an environment of excellence, inclusivity, and collaboration.
I am so excited to be part of the first Emergency Medicine Residency Program in the region. I grew up all around the Midwest and completed my undergraduate degreeat Utah Valley University. I am the first person in my family to go to medical school, and one of the first to go to college at all. I completed Medical School and EM residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, WI.
Our Mission: To provide an outstanding education in Emergency Medicine and expand access to skilled physicians in rural and underserved communities. When I finished residency in 2013, I couldn’t wait for my “real life” to start. I came to Sioux Falls with my husband and daughter – years later our family has grown to include 2 sons as well. We initially came “just to pay off the student loans” – but have continued to stay in Sioux Falls for a few reasons. We adore this area and have built friendships, joined church groups, and found numerous sporting and travel opportunities, all while enjoying a safe and welcoming neighborhood with just a 12-minute commute to the hospital. Alongside the strong sense of community and my personal motivations for remaining, my career has been incredibly fulfilling.
My job has changed in ways that I could not have predicted. After just two years ofworking here I became the Medical Director for our flight program, Sanford AirMed. AirMed has a team of 30+ Flight Paramedics and Nurses, as well as specialty transport teams. Together, we serve patients of all ages all around our region, and complete thousands of transports per year. Serving as Medical Director has provided me with invaluable insights into Transport Medicine, leadership development, training new team members, and witnessing the growth and transitions of my
colleagues.
When the chance to apply for Program Director arose, I initially felt hesitant. Residency was challenging for me, and both the field of medicine and residency training have evolved. What do I know about ACGME regulations and standardized education? However, the thought of an Emergency Medicine residency program starting without my involvement compelled me to step up. I bring to the table strong relationship-building skills with a diverse range of individuals and departments. This has enabled us to create a comprehensive EM training program that encompasses all the specialties, procedures, experiences, and challenges of an academic medical center, while maintaining the close-knit atmosphere of a
community hospital. Just as my career has been able to blossom and open up many opportunities for me, this residency program will do the same for you. I look forward to meeting you and fostering a connection that will endure
throughout your training and beyond.
What kind of Emergency Physician do you want to be? Are you interested in preparing for a future Fellowship? To be in a community based practice – rural, suburban or urban? To undertake research in a topic that really interests you? To be
able to balance your personal goals with a career that you love?
Our Aim: As the first Emergency Medicine training site in the region, at the only Level 1 Trauma Center in the area, our goal is to advance the practice of EM in our community by producing physicians who are prepared for the challenges of
practicing EM anywhere.
The Emergency Medicine Residency Program at Sanford USD Medical Center not only prepares residents to become adept emergency physicians but also equips them to become leaders in healthcare. With a focus on innovation, education, and
community service, the program lays a strong foundation for a fulfilling and impactful career in emergency medicine.in opportunity and connection. It is structured to provide a robust educational experience through a combination of didactic learning, hands-on training, and real-world clinical exposure.
Looking forward to meeting you,
Abigail Polzin, MD, FACEP