The first time I heard of Floyd Family Practice Residency, I was in the hospital room in St. Louis, Missouri getting ready to take our son home from the hospital. One of my husband's fellow medical school classmates came in to congratulate us and before she left, she told us of a friendly, well established and hard working program in which she had just completed a rotation. She encouraged Michael to check it out, saying that the program was a perfect fit for him.

A few months later, we were in Rome for a month long rotation. We found ourselves loving the program. The residents worked closely with each other and the attendings. The values of the residency were strong and the knowledge base of the residents was remarkable. The residents not only knew each other, but acted like family. In short, we loved it! At the end of the rotation Michael interviewed for a residency position.

During our first year, we found that all we had thought during our month long stay in Rome was true. We were welcomed with kindness and care. Right away Michael knew our decision was the right one for his career and our family.

As for me, I got nestled into being a full time mom to our one year old son, Jackson. The residency welcomed me into their family allowing us to meet and get know each other. While we became friends, the new spouses were introduced to Rome. I found it to be an awesome community in which to raise our child. There were family activities, educational opportunities and lots of fun things to explore. My new network of friends welcomed me and Jackson into their Floyd family making the transition to a new town easier.

Since the beginning, life in Rome has only gotten better. We continue to enjoy the community and church, our hospital and the practice. Michael and I have welcomed a daughter, Nancy Caroline. What a joyous time that was, and the experience as a new mother at Floyd Medical Center was wonderful. The intern year well prepared Michael for the years to come. We are anxious and optimistic as we look to what his third year holds.

To me, family is what the experience at Floyd has been all about. Our fellow residents, their families and the faculty and staff all connect to make one big family. We celebrate with each other in times of joy and turn to each other in times of troubles.

The residency faculty and staff offer instruction and mentoring and become good friends outside the office doors. While residents look to each other for help, support and encouragement the spouses stick together, providing understanding in this demanding and hectic career our significant other has chosen.

Floyd Family Practice Residency, to me is about being family. I am so happy we chose to be a part!

If your spouse or significant other is considering Floyd, please feel free to email me with any questions you might have as a spouse or significant other of a potential resident.

Aletha Thomas
Spouse of Michael Thomas, M.D.