First Year Fellows Endoscopy Course (July 31 - August 1) | 2022-12_How to Succeed in Fellowship Without Really Trying

12_How to Succeed in Fellowship Without Really Trying

Pdf Summary

This document provides guidance on how to succeed in a Fellowship program, focusing on the critical components such as obtaining a fund of knowledge, being a good consultant, playing well with others, engaging in research and academic presentations, receiving mentorship and career guidance, and maximizing the endoscopic experience.<br /><br />To expand your fund of knowledge, it is suggested to engage in "snack reading" multiple times per day rather than trying to read extensive volumes of information. Useful resources include Uptodate, review articles on pubmed, ASGE videos, and DDSEP. Additionally, actively engaging with patients and their primary data through reviewing pathology slides, radiology images, and scrubbing into OR cases can provide valuable learning experiences. Following up with clinic patients and discussing results and next steps is also recommended.<br /><br />Being a good consultant involves asking the primary team about specific consult questions and considering other ways the GI team can help the patient and the team beyond just answering the question.<br /><br />Teaching is emphasized as an important aspect of being a Fellow. Taking time to teach housestaff about their patients can save time in the future and contribute to being a good consultant.<br /><br />Professionalism is key, including showing up on time, using clear communication with the primary team, and respectfully communicating with patients, family members, and other staff.<br /><br />Getting along with colleagues involves respecting co-fellows, providing timely and thorough sign out information, and not passing off work that should be done individually, while also not being afraid to ask for help when needed.<br /><br />In terms of research and academic presentations, it is suggested to have multiple research mentors and projects. For presentations, having a folder of interesting cases and using a thumb drive for images and videos can be helpful.<br /><br />Differentiating between a mentor and a coach is important, understanding that a mentor relationship is long-term and development-driven, while a coach is task-oriented and may change depending on the area of improvement needed.<br /><br />The endoscopic experience is maximized by scoping with different people and not getting discouraged in the beginning. Consent is highlighted as a critical part of the procedure, with the recommendation to spend time with the patient describing the procedure and providing alternatives if available.<br /><br />Running the endoscopy unit involves clear and respectful communication with sedation nurses and techs, meeting the patient before sedation, and explaining findings to the patient and their family afterward.<br /><br />Inevitable complications should be handled by working with attendings to determine the best way to disclose them to patients and follow up closely, seeing patients daily in the hospital or at home and in clinic once the complication is resolved.

Keywords

Fellowship program

fund of knowledge

consultant

research

academic presentations

mentorship

career guidance

endoscopic experience

professionalism

colleague relationships