Fellows in Training Learn & Network at ACR Convergence

Reviewing the literature and trying to learn everything about a specific disease are essential to staying abreast of rapidly developing science, she said. Developing a systematic way of collecting data and then using those data to start publishing analyses and become involved in collaborative research efforts helps with name recognition and drives future projects. Using a template that is easily accessible and utilized allows for easy data collection and streamlines research productivity.

Dr. Ogdie noted that identifying a good mentor is essential to grow in a career niche, and one also needs to be a good mentee, which means having clear agenda items for meetings and action items.

Dr. Ogdie also noted that having a longterm plan, with a mission, vision and goals, is important, as well determining support structures and having continued clarity on the uniqueness of the developing program.

Round Tables

The second part of the program involved numerous round tables with topics of interest for fellows. Topics included a career in academics or private practice, ACR advocacy, keeping up with literature, medical education, job searches, and disease-specific topics, such as difficult lupus, spondyloarthritis, pulmonary hypertension and others. Each table had an expert moderator who drove the conversation, but each group had unique questions and discussions. Fellows rotated tables every 20 minutes, for a total of five sessions.

The FIT program concluded with a small reception for all the fellows and speakers—an excellent way for fellows to interact and mingle before the meeting began in earnest the following day.

Fellows Program ACR Convergence 2023

Current fellows in training can participate in the FIT program at ACR Convergence 2023, Nov. 10–15, in San Diego. Learn more at https://rheumatology.org/annualmeeting.

Abin P. Puravath, MD, MHS, FACP, is a post-doctoral clinical research fellow in the Division of Rheumatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore.

References

1. For new physicians. Malecki Brooks Law Group LLC. https://www.mbhealthlaw.com/for-new-physicians.
2. Rheumatology (IM). FREIDA (the American Medical Association Residency & Fellowship Database). https://freida.ama-assn.org/specialty/rheumatology-im.
3. Covey SR. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Restoring the Character Ethic. New York: Free Press; 2004.
4. Ruiz DM. The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom. San Rafael: Amber-Allen Publishing Inc.; 1997.