2019-2020 Chief Resident Spotlight: Babusai Rapaka

How did Emory’s residency program prepare you for your future career?
Emory really helped me grow as a physician by exposing me to everything. From the very complex specialized cases to bread and butter medicine, I really got to see the full gamut of medicine. The program constantly worked to push my limits and made me a complete internal medicine physician.

What’s the biggest takeaway from your year as a chief resident?
The biggest takeaway was how to be a leader during uncertain times. There were many instances this past year, including the COVID-19 pandemic and transition to x+y, that required me as well as the other chiefs to remain calm and adapt on the fly to changing scenarios. Learning how to be a leader even in a chaotic and ever-changing situation, while portraying a sense of calm, is the biggest skill I took away from chief year.

What is one piece of advice you would like to give to incoming Emory residents?
The most important skill to have as an intern is a willingness to work and take instruction. You will work hard at Emory, but your ability to take instruction and care for your patients is what will separate you.

What will you miss the most about Emory’s residency program?
My co-residents. Some of my best friends and best experiences I had were in this program.

What do you enjoy most about living in Atlanta?
I really enjoyed the diversity of the city. Atlanta is a giant melting pot of cultures and this leads to some incredible experiences from festivals to foods and even movies. Also, the airport is one of the best.

What are your career plans for after residency?
I am doing a GI fellowship at the Mayo Clinic.