Work-life balance and burnout
Fellowship is a marathon and not a sprint, so you need to slow down after a busy workday and care for yourself and enjoy time with loved ones. The cognitive, physical, mental, and emotional demands for first-year fellows are arguably the highest during GI training and can lead to burnout. Signs of burnout include emotional exhaustion, loss of empathy, fatigue, depersonalization and detachment, and feelings of personal inadequacy.4 Antiburnout measures include respecting basic healthy life hygiene (eat and sleep well, regular physical activity), having a hobby, practicing meditation, avoiding taking work home, and having a healthy social network.5 Remember that your cofellows whom you share common experiences with are not only your colleagues but can also be your friends and your social support. If you are a parent juggling work and family, remember to ask for help from your peers if you need it and have an open discussion with your attending to find practical solutions to your schedule.
Professional growth in the field of gastroenterology
Becoming a successful gastroenterologist and endoscopist involves going above the “I” and into the inclusive “we.” Building collegial and professional relationships early on with different stakeholders will set you up for success during and beyond your fellowship.
Building relationships
Developing genuine collegial and collaborative relationships with cofellows and faculty will positively impact your wellness during fellowship but also build the foundation of your professional network necessary to your career growth. Be inclusive of your cofellows in your research projects and publications, and support and amplify their work as much as you amplify your own. Your cofellows or attendings are likely to be the ones to help you find the right job, invite you to speak at grand rounds, or sit on a GI committee and promote your postfellowship professional growth.
Mentorship, being an educator and role model
It is important to identify and seek out mentors, within or outside your fellowship program or institution, who can not only guide you in your career choices but also open doors for you and sponsor you to advance your career. On the other hand, you too can be a role model, mentor, and sponsor to medical residents and students interested in the field of GI. Teach others in didactic settings or on the consult service, include trainees in quality improvement projects and publications, and lead by example.
Research
Most academic GI programs have a baseline requirement of research. Choose and devise a project you can realistically complete despite your busy first-year schedule: expand on a residency research project, focus on a specific simple question triggered by a clinical situation you encountered, proceed with a retrospective chart review or quality improvement project, and include other fellows and trainees to divide tasks. Alternatively, devise a specific timeline with a research mentor to complete a larger research project during your three years of fellowship.
Involvement in GI societies/committees
Become a member of one (or all) of the national GI societies that align with your interests. Membership gives you access not only to peer-reviewed scientific articles and guidelines but also to fellow-focused programs, committees’ opportunities, early career research grants, and mentorship.6-10
Summary
The first year of a GI fellowship lays the foundation for your next 3 years: Be mindful of how you can optimize the opportunities at hand to learn, teach, build a solid reputation, and grow your professional network. But also remember you have 3 full years to accomplish all your goals, so be patient, pace yourself, and include others in your journey. Judiciously use the many resources within your program and GI societies to help you achieve your goals, reach out to others to overcome difficulties and barriers, and dedicate time to care for your personal health and growth. This is what a true comprehensive and healthy fellowship is all about!
Dr. Advani is with the division of gastroenterology and hepatology, Stony Brook (N.Y.) University Hospital. Dr. Saeed is with the division of gastroenterology and hepatology, University of Kentucky, Lexington. Dr. Charabaty is with the division of gastroenterology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, and Johns Hopkins–Sibley Memorial Hospital, Washington. Dr. Advani and Dr. Saeed have no conflicts to disclose. Dr. Charabaty disclosed ties to AbbVie, Janssen, Takeda, Pfizer, and Bristol-Myers Squibb and is founder of @MondayNightIBD, and cofounder of Scrubs & Heels.
