Where are they now? Heidi Jackson, MD
I grew up in Leamington, a small town in central Utah, with an eye on the University of Utah from the start. I began my undergraduate education there but transferred to Weber State University upon marrying my favorite person, Kris Jackson. After graduating from Weber State, I returned to the University of Utah for medical school, where I met my second true love, The University of Utah General Surgery Residency Program.
I was a general surgery resident at the University of Utah from 2003 to 2010. I reflect on my training as if it were yesterday. I smile at the thought of residency, though I'm sure I wasn't always smiling during residency. In fact, I know I wasn't. It was tough. I now look back in appreciation of the process. I think fondly of fellow residents and attendings, who gave their time and support. I spent two years in the lab under the tutelage of Dr. Glasgow. I have many things to thank him for but mostly for his patience. During my research years, I became the mother of twin boys. I did mention that residency was tough. Everyone survived including but not limited to my kids, my husband, the patients, and my fellow residents. Thank you to everyone.
I began my career at LDS hospital, where I joined a group of prior attendings and fellow residents, whom I admired. I practiced bread-and-butter general surgery with a niche practice of hiatal hernias. I remained there for 6 years, where I grew my surgical skills, benefiting from the support and knowledge of my partners. Those partners became friends and I still miss our time together today.
A family decision, encouraged by a fellow resident and friend, Marcus Torgenson, MD, brought me to North Idaho where I practice now. Keeping the link to residency has its benefits. We still joke and reminisce about residency and more importantly, we agree on how to take care of patients. I enjoy a wide breadth of general surgery in my practice. I have incorporated robotics since residency and use the robot for the majority of my cases at this point. This move did bring on initial challenges of trauma and endoscopy, which had not been part of my practice prior. I value the foundation of knowledge from residency, which allowed me to meet these demands.
Kris, my husband of 28 years, has weathered the storm of my surgical career and enjoys a career in real estate investment. We spend our summers on the lake, boating and wake surfing. We follow our now 16-year-old twin boys, Will and Wren, in whatever sports adventure they may be chasing. We are very proud of these little guys and are enjoying these last years with them at home.
In residency, as in life, the days are long and the years are short. Those long days as a resident prepared me for the challenges of a surgical career and provided me with the tools to take excellent care of my patients. I am proud of my training and am so appreciative of the experience, the education, and the people.
