This interview is one in a series of interviews with the 2025 recipients of the ACGME Awards. These awardees join an outstanding group of previous honorees whose work and contributions to graduate medical education (GME) represent the best in the field. They will be honored at the 2025 ACGME Annual Educational Conference, taking place February 20-22, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee.
2025 David C. Leach Awardee Kaitlin Snapp, MD is a chief medical resident in internal medicine at the University of Cincinnati in Cincinnati, Ohio.
ACGME: Why did you want to become a physician?
Dr. Snapp: I wanted to become a physician because it aligns with my deep commitment to service, my compassion for others, and my dedication to alleviating suffering. Medicine offers a unique opportunity to have a profound impact on people’s lives, providing not just physical healing, but also emotional support during their most vulnerable moments.
Being a physician is a path where I can continually learn and grow while addressing some of life’s most complex challenges. This profession allows me to combine analytical problem solving with a genuine, empathetic connection to others, all in service of improving lives and reducing pain. For me, medicine is not just a career—it’s a calling to make a meaningful difference through both knowledge and compassion.
ACGME: What, so far, has been the most rewarding part of your residency?
Snapp: The most rewarding part of my residency so far has been the opportunity to build meaningful connections within my surrounding community and witness the positive impact of our work on patients’ lives. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see how small interventions—whether it’s advocating for a patient’s access to resources, offering guidance through a complex health decision, or simply being a source of empathy—can significantly improve someone’s livelihood.
I’ve also found deep satisfaction in advocating for vulnerable populations, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met in a system that can often feel overwhelming. Working alongside a diverse team, I’ve learned the power of collaboration in building a healthier, more equitable community. The trust and gratitude of patients and the collective effort to make a difference reinforce why I chose this path, inspiring me to continue striving for meaningful, lasting change in the lives of those I serve.
ACGME: What has been the most challenging?
Snapp: The most challenging part of residency has been navigating limited resources and systems while striving to provide the best care. It can be difficult to face outcomes that fall short despite our best efforts, serving as a stark reminder of the limits of medicine, the unpredictability of illness, and the profound sanctity of life. Witnessing suffering—whether a patient’s life-altering diagnosis or a family’s grief—adds an emotional weight that requires balancing empathy with resilience, a skill I’ve worked hard to develop and continue to grow through these experiences. While these challenges are difficult, they highlight the importance of compassion and teamwork. They inspire me to advocate for change, better understand the complexities of care, and find meaningful ways to make a difference, even in overwhelming moments.
ACGME: What innovation/improvement did you implement in your program?
Snapp: I developed a simulation curriculum to train resident physicians in managing in-hospital emergencies, emphasizing rapid assessment, communication, and intervention to improve patient outcomes. Additionally, I implemented a point-of-care ultrasound curriculum aimed at enhancing rapid patient assessment and clinical reasoning skills.
ACGME: What does it mean to you to receive this award?
Snapp: Receiving this award is an incredible honor and a deeply humbling experience. To me, it reflects not only my efforts but also the invaluable mentorship and unwavering support I’ve received along the way at the University of Cincinnati. It’s a testament to the incredible teamwork that makes everything we do possible. This recognition is a reminder of the collective dedication of those I’ve had the privilege to learn from and work alongside, and it inspires me to continue striving for excellence and to pay that mentorship forward.
ACGME: What advice would you give to other residents/fellows who are looking to either replicate your improvement or implement an original idea of their own in their own program?
Snapp: My advice to other residents is to start by identifying a project or idea that you’re genuinely passionate about—it’s that passion that will keep you motivated through challenges. Once you have your idea, focus on building a strong mentorship team. Seek out mentors with diverse perspectives who can guide you, provide constructive feedback, and connect you with resources. Equally important is gaining support from those who will be most affected by your program. Engage with them early, listen to their needs and concerns, and ensure your idea is practical and meaningful to those it will impact. Building trust and fostering collaboration will help ensure the program's success and sustainability. Ultimately, persistence, adaptability, and a clear sense of purpose are key to making meaningful change.
Learn more about the ACGME’s David C. Leach Award and nominate a deserving resident or fellow for the 2026 Award – nominations are due by March 12, 2025.