Best of luck to the PGY 4’s across the country who have applied for fellowships. Going through the process right now, I now understand the overwhelming feeling that I witnessed my senior residents experience when I was a junior and a medical student.
This journey has been very different from applying and interviewing for residencies. There are a few things I have learned along the way for those who have yet to embark on this process. First, be confident in who you are and where you come from. You will all meet allopathic applicants along the way – be proud of your solid clinical training that is likely unmatched by your counterparts. Second, the fellowship trail is about strong letters of recommendation and research. I do not know how every osteopathic program is, but it can be challenging to conduct quality research and yield publications especially if you are not part of an institution that cultivates that atmosphere. Be perseverant and continue to be involved in research. Publications, with our credentials and institutions attached to research, will allow us to continue to break down barriers. Lastly, it is important to strive for excellence. I encourage all the residents not to settle for anything less than your maximal potential. Be involved with the AOAO, the AAOS and in your subspecialty societies. There is a lot of opportunity for productivity outside of your residency programs. Maintain that hunger for knowledge. We are the leaders of our profession and our time is now.
Education in business management is challenging during medical and residency training. It is important to have an introduction and discussion about financial management before we become attendings. The AOAO Postgraduate Seminar offers a business session on Friday afternoon (May 4, 2018). These lectures were offered during the annual meeting in Chicago (October 2017) and many of the participants who evaluated the session wished they heard these lectures while they were residents. The topics of the lecture series include:
- The impact of longevity on financial decisions
- The impact of recent tax changes
- Protect what you make: risk management and asset protection for AOAO Members
- Wealth Management Made Simple.
There will also be two workshops, just for residents, on Saturday morning (May 5). The topics are:
- Strategies for Student Loan Repayment
- Saving for Your Financial Future
Finally, besides these great opportunities, there will be an RAOAO Information and Planning Session following the workshops on Saturday from 11:00am to 1:00pm with lunch. This will be a great opportunity to provide a voice for the future of our organization and profession.
Hope to see everybody at the spring meeting!