August 28th, 2018
So Let’s Chat About Extracurricular Work Activities
Justin Davis, MBBS
Well, we’re finally here. Somehow, an Aussie has sneaked onto a United States-based Chief Resident blog panel dealing with pertinent issues within medicine, and I actually have to think about what to write. (I’m being slightly facetious here, by the way.) So let’s start, shall we? One of the things that has been on my mind […]
November 3rd, 2017
Uncuffing Medicine from Guidelines
John Junyoung Lee, MD
During my first Cardiology fellowship interview, Dr. Schevchuck, one of the cardiologists on the admissions committee, opened the interview with the following question: “Guess how many guidelines there are in the United States?” If you are reading this and you are planning on applying to a cardiology fellowship too, I have done some homework for you. […]
October 6th, 2017
We All Give Up Something
Cassie Shaw, MD
We all give up something, usually many somethings, to become doctors. It all starts with medical school where we spend hours listening to lectures, studying books, reviewing slides and reading notes. It continues into residency where we have little control over our schedules, working weekends and holidays; cherishing each of our 4 days off per […]
August 29th, 2017
Procedures in Residency
Karmen Wielunski, DO
Hi. My name is Karmen, and I’m a fainter. It’s true. I am one of those people who occasionally falls victim (pun intended) to vasovagal syncope at its finest. It tends to happen at inopportune times and places. For example, the first time I passed out, I landed in a Christmas tree. I was in high […]
June 27th, 2017
Four-Oh-Wonk. The Reboot.
April Edwards, MD
At the beginning of the year, I wrote about the rude awakening I was experiencing with regard to my own finances. I heard from more than a few other imminent or recent resident graduates who expressed some degree of similar feelings of being inadequately prepared in the financial realm. At the risk of being incredibly rudimentary, I […]
May 16th, 2017
Constructive Criticism
Joseph Cooper, MD
Here are some questions that are still on my mind as I approach the tail end of my chief year. I’m thinking about the best ways to offer constructive feedback. What is the best way to approach a struggling learner? What is the best way to give guidance and feedback without being perceived as a tyrant […]
March 20th, 2017
Resident Wellness in Graduate Medical Education
Kashif Shaikh, MD
Happy Endings: Living in Orlando, one cannot escape Disney. Disney movies are a delight, because one subconsciously anticipates that the happy ending is going to make up for the rest of the characters’ struggles. It works for me! Be it Simba, Cinderella, Snow White, Belle, or Elsa, every Disney fairy tale gives us the desired ending of a happy and […]
December 22nd, 2016
“Pimping”: Malignant or Not?
Joseph Cooper, MD
One of the most respected and skilled clinician-educators (and, of course, he is an Infectious Diseases specialist) at our institute came into my office, sat down, and immediately starting eating pretzels. “Let me know what you think about this,” he said between bites. He went on to recapitulate a recent interaction he had with the members […]
November 4th, 2016
From the Prescription Pad to Reality
April Edwards, MD
A harsh reality I am coming to terms with, as a newly minted “pre-tending,” is that we don’t know the cost of the care we provide. There are recommendations for things like High Value Care, from organizations like the ACP. But how much do things actually cost? Certain apps and websites, like the Healthcare Bluebook, give […]
September 27th, 2016
Interview Season
Joseph Cooper, MD
It’s that time again — time to dust off your nicest suit and prepare for either residency or fellowship interviews. Being knee-deep in interview season for Infectious Diseases fellowships, my interview days bear some resemblance to my residency interviews, yet also are quite different. I have a unique opportunity this year to be a part of the recruitment and decision […]