Preceptorships, Mentors Steer Rheumatology

He says that the preceptorship allowed him to regain his focus and enthusiasm for medicine. “For the first time in a long while, I was very hopeful and confident about the future. I feel as though the first preceptorship was a lifeline and a second chance. … Now, the future is exciting and full of possibilities.”

Dr. Le says that this excitement for his career helped him maintain hope through his mother’s illness and eventual passing. “My mother always taught me to help others, and rheumatology allows me to do just that. I feel like I found a higher purpose.”

Moving Forward

Dr. Le’s Foundation-funded preceptorships allowed him to work closely with his mentor, Dr. Carbone.

Dr. Le’s mentor, Dr. Carbone, also recognizes the progress in Dr. Le’s rheumatology career. “When Brian first started, I could see he was still undecided about his future,” she explains. “Since that time, he has decided to do rheumatology and we have accepted him into our rheumatology fellowship program at MCG. The awards he received from the Foundation enabled him to develop an interest and appreciation for this subspecialty. He will be a stellar rheumatologist.”

In appreciation for his own mentor, Dr. Le now hopes to encourage other young students and residents to choose rheumatology. “I’ve been telling other residents to apply for the preceptorships. By inspiring others to join the field, we can help patients.”

Dr. Carbone also continues to bring others into the field using Foundation preceptorships. Including Dr. Le, she has had a total of six trainees receive Foundation preceptorships. Three of those trainees worked on studies that have since been published. “We have found that many trainees are not aware of what a career in rheumatology can entail until they do this experience. It introduces them to many aspects of rheumatology, including both clinical and research experiences on a daily basis,” she explains. “They come away with a sense of excitement that they have found their home. They see how rewarding caring for these patients truly is.”