'Resident Mom' Molly Burke-Poole will retire March 19, 2021. Graduate Medical Education Administrator for the Department of Surgery, Molly has coordinated the Department of Surgery Residency Program for more than two decades. Molly has worked closely with each resident to ensure they are successful during their training.

She is every resident's best friend, confidant, life coach, counselor, cheerleader and chaplain. She laughs with them, cries with them, and shares their joys and sorrows.

"Although we have 50 residents at any given time, she knows all of their spouses and children not only by name but knows all about their lives. She is the most empathetic person I have ever known. She always has a smile on her face and a kind word on her lips," said Kelly McMasters, M.D., Ph.D., Chair of the Department of Surgery.

Molly joined the Department in February 1990, after 5 years in the Department of Psychiatry, as an Administrative Assistant to William Cheadle, M.D. When he became Program Director of the residency program in 1995, Molly worked behind the scenes with Angela Jones, former Residency Coordinator.

In 2019, Molly received the UofL School of Medicine's 2019 Dean's Lifetime Achievement Award.

For decades, Molly has given her heart and soul to the Department of Surgery. Never has there been anyone who has been more loyal, dedicated, devoted, and committed to the Department of Surgery. We will always be grateful for her lifetime of selfless service.

Molly has requested we do not do any type of retirement celebration—even virtual. We will respect her wishes. Please feel free to email Molly to thank and congratulate her at her UofL email address.