Look Who's Talking question of the month: Reflections on Residency and Training

As we welcome new residents this summer, think back to your own training, either as a resident or a postdoc. Was there one particular learning experience that helped shape the kind of physician or scientist you are today?

Michelle Albert, MD MPH

Michelle Albert, MD, MPH
Cardiology

Although it might be challenging with the new hour rules, I found it exquisitely useful to take the extra time to learn about the emotional needs of my patients and to quickly look up the latest information on pubmed about some aspect of my patients' medical problems in order to advance my knowledge.

Philip Blazar, MD

Philip Blazar, MD
Orthopedic Surgery

I had one mentor in particular during my fellowship who stressed communication with patients in language they understand and use. It is so hard for medical professionals to transition our language from the technical jargon and terms of art we all use routinely. Since then I try to talk with patients using terms they will understand and be able to explain to their spouse. If you listen to our colleagues conversations, even with skilled, empathetic clinicians, it is really common to hear technical terms used that the vast majority of patients do not understand.

Marceline Cote, PhD

Marceline Cote, PhD

Hematology

It was shortly after starting my postdoctoral fellowship here at BWH that I found myself uniting forces with my lab mates to rapidly complete an important research project that resulted in the discovery of the target of a new anti-viral compound. I believe this is when I truly discovered the power of teamwork . When the lab atmosphere is friendly, cooperative and dynamic and you are surrounded by passionate and gifted scientists, there is really no limit to what you can learn and accomplish. This is something unique in the Longwood medical area that I had not experienced before. The example and support of my colleagues are shaping the kind of scientist I am and motivating me to improve.

Elena Losina, PhD

Elena Losina, PhD

Orthopedics

My most memorable learning experience from the days of my training was unbounded generosity of my mentors. It is their passion for research, attention to detail, genuine interest in helping new generation of mentees to reach their potentials and generosity in sharing their wisdom --- made a huge impact on my career development.  My mentors, George Seage (HSPH), Jeffrey Katz and Kenneth Freedberg ---have very different teaching styles, but share the same vision of conducting rigorous clinical research to facilitate practice of evidence-based medicine that reaches all those who are suffering from communicable and non-communicable chronic diseases.  

David Vago, PhD

David Vago, PhD

Psychiatry

The most important experience as a post-doc that helped shape the kind of scientist I am today is the continued feeling of support. I cannot stress the value of SUPPORT more. I found it incredibly helpful to continually seek out and receive the support and mentorship needed to develop my research ideas and methodological arsenal. This meant meeting regularly with my advisor to develop a program of research, networking with other scientists in my research domain through conferences, and writing grants to support young investigators. Aside from creating a sense of structure, support helps boosts morale and confidence that you are doing the right thing and you're on the right track!