Transitional Year's End of Year and Welcome Dinner

The Transitional Year Program recently held a private dinner at the Trios Restaurant in Little Rock to honor the departing Class of 2026 and welcome the arriving Class of 2027. Dr. Jamie Pinto, Transitional Year Program Director, extended a warm welcome to all residents, faculty, staff, friends, and family members in attendance, and introduced leadership members to new faces.

Dr. Pinto commended Dr. Jordan Pilkington and Dr. Clai Morehead for their exemplary leadership and distinguished service as Transitional Year Representatives to the 2025–2026 Graduate Medical Education Council (GMEC). Additionally, she expressed profound gratitude to the Program Evaluation Committee (PEC) Representatives—Dr. Gabriela Fonseca, Dr. Mason Belue, Dr. Kayla Perry, and Dr. Clai Morehead—honoring their invaluable contributions and steadfast commitment to advancing the program throughout the academic year.

For her unwavering collegiality, leadership, and selfless dedication to her peers and the program, Dr. Stephanie Li was presented with the 2026 Resident Service Award.

Recognizing her excellence in teaching, mentoring, and exemplary commitment to the education of future physicians, the Transitional Year Class of 2026 awarded Dr. Maxine Seales-Kasangana with the 2026 Faculty Teaching Award.

This annual gathering served as a meaningful occasion to commemorate the conclusion of the academic year and welcome the incoming cohort. On behalf of the entire Baptist Health-NLR GME team, we extend our sincere best wishes to our departing residents as they advance in their specialized training, and we warmly welcome our new residents joining us for the upcoming year.