As a nurse, a mother and a grandmother to 18 grandchildren, looking after people is something that just comes naturally to Terri Zeleski. In her two-and-a-half years at Internal Medical Associates in Grand Island, Neb., she uses those motherly instincts to welcome UNMC Department of Internal Medicine residents.
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UNMC Internal Medicine resident Adrianna Shuey, M.D., is seen with Tim Zeleski during their target-shooting outing together. Tim and Terri Zeleski spend time with the new residents outside of the clinic to help welcome them to Grand Island. |
About each month, a new resident arrives at their clinic for their rotation. The residents are able to stay in a townhouse one block away, that’s owned by the clinic.
“Grand Island is not exactly a rural area, but it gives residents a feel for what it’s like to practice medicine in a smaller town,” she said.
When a new resident arrives, Zeleski invites them to choose an outing with her and her husband, Tim.
“We offer to take them out to dinner or go target shooting,” she said.
Zeleski’s husband is retired from the Nebraska State Patrol. During his 29-year-career, he spent much of it as a firearm instructor, teaching gun safety.
“It’s something many of the residents have never done, but enjoy the opportunity,” she said.
That was the case for Adrianna Shuey, M.D., UNMC internal medicine resident who was in Grand Island in August. She accepted Zeleski’s offer to go target shooting.
“I had never been shooting before and realized it would be a great opportunity to at least learn about gun safety. This opportunity was invaluable,” Dr. Shuey said.
Zeleski suspects word is getting out about the target-shooting excursions.
“The last couple of residents got this grin on their face when I started to mention the idea,” Zeleski said. “Like they knew it was coming.”
It’s something Zeleski enjoys doing and plans to continue.
“The residents are away from home and away from their friends,” she said. “It helps develop a relationship, and the time spent together makes them feel more comfortable at the clinic.”
“This small gesture made me feel welcome at the clinic and the community,” Dr. Shuey said. “Terri’s unmeasurable care of our patients, contagious positivity in the clinic, coupled with her desire to share her hobby quickly made her one of my new, lifelong friends.”