Barbra Solares Named Residency Coordinator of the Year by the American Orthopaedic Association

Congratulations to Barbra Solares, Senior Program Manager for the UArizona Orthopedic Surgery Residency Program, College of Medicine – Tucson, who was recently named Coordinator of the Year by the Council of Orthopaedic Residency Directors at the American Orthopaedic Association. She was honored in February 2024 at the Spring Council of Orthopaedic Residency Directors Conference in San Francisco.

Barb is incredibly devoted and hardworking for the benefit of the residents. She's thoughtful and knowledgeable about the needs of the residents and the needs of their education. Barb makes us a top program focused on the residents having the best training possible. 

 

Gregory L. DeSilva, MD
Associate Professor & Director of the Residency Program

This prestigious award recognizes coordinators who demonstrate exemplary dedication and contributions to their programs, as Solares has done since first joining the program in 2014.

Per the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, there are more than 200 orthopedic residency programs in the United States. This award honors just two recipients a year: one from larger programs and one from smaller programs, like that at the University of Arizona. 

Barb sees her role as residency coordinator as more than just a job. She sees us as her children and treats us with a love and care that is unique. She works to help us thrive professionally and also checks in with us personally. We are so grateful to have her on our team!

Brian Richard, MD
Residency Class of 2025

What Do Residency Program Coordinators Do?

Residency coordinators play a crucial role in the administration and management of a medical residency program. Formal responsibilities typically include:

• Managing day-to-day operations, schedule, resident evaluations and assessments, maintaining records, ensuring compliance with accreditation standards 
   
• Recruitment, applications, interviews, visits and onboarding for new residents: Coordinators often assist with the recruitment process for new residents
   
• Serving as the primary point of contact for the program among faculty, staff and external stakeholders across universities and medical institutions
   
• Helping to organize and implement curriculum and ensure that residents meet educational requirements and milestones
   
• Supporting residents throughout their training, including coordinating wellness initiatives, facilitating access to counseling services and addressing resident concerns 

In addition to formal responsibilities, Solares has the well earned reputation for going above and beyond to mentor residents, advocate for their needs, provide emotional support, organize social events and foster a sense of community among residents and across the program. 

Barb is an incredible Program Coordinator and is always willing to go above and beyond what is expected of her. Barb is actively engaged in coordinating resident education, schedules, and credentialing. She always gets the job done expeditiously and is a kind and nurturing influence. 

Nathan Sherman, MD
Residency Class of 2024

Criteria for Consideration

The Coordinator of the Year Award evaluated nominees based on a number of factors: creativity, compassion, dedication to program improvement, supporting resident wellness and community activities, program knowledge, professionalism, leadership in professional organizations and, of course, hard work!

Barb is the ultimate champion for us as residents and this recognition is well deserved. Glad others can see how awesome our ortho mom is!

Michelle Son, MD
Residency Class of 2024