New York City-based NewYork Presbyterian/Weill Cornell gastroenterology fellow Shawn Shah, MD, shared five thoughts on the completion of his fellowship training with Gastroenterology & Endoscopy News.
Dr. Shah emphasized five major themes:
1. There is always more to learn — Dr. Shah wrote after he finished his residency he thought he was comfortable taking care of patients, but when he began his fellowship he started to get a better sense of everything the job entails.
2. Mistakes will happen — No matter how prepared a gastroenterologist can be, Dr. Shah wrote that mistakes happen. Instead of dwelling on them, he suggests looking at each mistake as a learning opportunity.
3. Remember the patient — The volume of patients can be overwhelming, but connecting with patients is essential when it comes to decision making.
4. Fellowship is hard, but don't forget to take care of yourself — Work-life balance is important to avoid physician burnout.
5. Being a gastroenterologist is a privilege and you have endured so much to finally get here — Dr. Shah wrote that although the journey to becoming a gastroenterologist is long and filled with firsts, even some that make you wonder why you got into the profession, the profession's rewards are plentiful.
Dr. Shah was a part of Gastroenterology & Endoscopy News "The Real GI" video series.