First Year Fellows Endoscopy Course (July 28-29) | 2023-12

12_How to Succeed in Fellowship
Pdf Summary
The document provides advice on how to succeed in a fellowship program in gastroenterology. The critical components highlighted include developing a strong fund of knowledge, becoming a good consultant, working well with others, conducting research and giving academic presentations, receiving mentorship and career guidance, and maximizing your endoscopic experience.<br /><br />To expand your fund of knowledge, it is suggested to engage in "snack reading" throughout the day, focusing on specific patient issues rather than overwhelming yourself with excessive reading. Resources such as Uptodate, PubMed review articles, ASGE videos, and DDSEP can be utilized for educational purposes. Additionally, actively involving yourself in patient care by independently analyzing primary data and following up with your own clinic patients can enhance your learning experience.<br /><br />In terms of being a good consultant, it is important to ask the primary team about the "consult questions" and think beyond the specific question to determine how the GI team can best assist the patient and the primary team. Teaching the housestaff about their patients is also emphasized to improve patient care and save time in the future.<br /><br />Professionalism is highlighted as well, with recommendations to consistently show up on time, communicate clearly and respectfully with patients and healthcare professionals, and provide clear explanations of your role and how you can help the patient.<br /><br />Getting along with colleagues involves respecting and treating them well, providing thorough sign out information, and seeking help when needed while also being willing to assist others.<br /><br />Research and academic presentations are vital components of fellowship. It is advised to have multiple research mentors and projects, including both shorter and longer-term projects. Presentations and public speaking opportunities should be reviewed by a faculty mentor before presenting, and feedback should be sought frequently.<br /><br />Differentiating between a mentor and a coach is highlighted, with mentorship being relationship-oriented and development-driven, while coaching is task-oriented and performance-driven. It is important to have clear expectations for each rotation, understand learning objectives, and continuously seek feedback.<br /><br />For the endoscopic experience, it is suggested to scope as much as possible with different people and not be discouraged in the beginning. Consent is emphasized as a critical part of the procedure and should be conducted thoroughly, explaining risks and alternatives, and using visual aids if necessary.<br /><br />Running the endoscopy unit requires clear and respectful communication with the sedation nurse and tech, meeting the patient before sedation, and providing post-procedure explanations to the patient and their family. Handling complications involves close follow-up and communication with the attending physician, daily visits if admitted to the hospital, check-ins for outpatients, and clinic follow-ups once the complication is resolved.<br /><br />In summary, the critical components of fellowship are fund of knowledge development, consulting skills, effective collaboration, research and academic presentations, mentorship and career guidance, and optimizing endoscopic experience.
Keywords
fellowship program
gastroenterology
fund of knowledge
consultant
working well with others
research
academic presentations
mentorship
career guidance
endoscopic experience