Rachel Bass, MD

Institution: UCLA Ronald Reagan/Olive View

Current Title/Rank: Resident Physician - PGY3

Leadership Experience: During medical school, I held several leadership positions, and I have continued to engage in various initiatives during residency. One project I’m particularly proud of was organizing an Ultrasound Day in February 2024 to provide a more hands-on learning experience. Along with two co-residents, I developed UCLA Sonogames, inspired by SAEM’s Sonogames Ultrasound competition, to incorporate gamification into our residency curriculum and keep learners engaged. 

We collaborated with ultrasound faculty and our simulation center to create four team-based games and activities. These sessions not only encouraged teamwork but also facilitated peer-to-peer teaching among residents and medical students as they worked through each station. Although the project required significant coordination and planning, it was a resounding success. We even received feedback from residents that it was one of their favorite conferences in residency! 

What Dr. Bass will bring to the CORD Board of Directors: Training at both county and academic hospitals has given me a unique perspective on residency education. These experiences have highlighted the gaps that emerge from working in diverse environments, emphasizing that a “one-size-fits-all” approach is ineffective. 

My degree in public health has also equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of policymaking, health systems, and patient education. This background enables me to think from a population-level perspective and has provided me with experience in implementing and evaluating new initiatives. 

Additionally, I am fortunate to be a part of a collaborative residency program where residents’ voices are valued in shaping practice for a new emergency room environment. My strong connections with my coresidents and peers from other programs keep me attuned to a wide range of resident perspectives. This enables me to effectively advocate for resident-centered, forward-thinking, and socially responsible initiatives.