Since then, 16 additional workshops have been held in the following locations: Columbus, Ohio; Philadelphia; Houston; San Diego; New York; Stanford, Calif.; Pinehurst, N.C.; and Iowa City, Iowa (simulcast). At various times, workshops were held in partnership with local societies such as the New York Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, the North Carolina Society of Gastroenterology, and the Texas Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, which offered additional opportunities for networking. Overall, the 19 regional practice skills workshops held over the last 4 years have reached 420 fellows and early career GIs.
Dr. Peter S. Liang
The workshop agenda is focused on issues related to transitioning to life as an independent practitioner, which may not be adequately covered during training. The agenda is similar across locations and includes sessions on career options in research and clinical practice, how to evaluate a job, contract negotiations, health care reform, and work-life balance. Additional topics have been added to certain workshops to tailor it for the region, such as sessions in California related to working at Kaiser Permanente. Local leaders in private practice and regional health systems are often invited as speakers, presenting great opportunities for networking and potential job interviews. The workshops were primarily designed for second- and third-year fellows who are embarking on the job search. However, our feedback shows that medical residents interested in GI as well as early career practitioners also find the material very relevant because it describes the breadth of job possibilities and practical tips for a successful career. As the workshops have evolved, additional topics have been added based on attendee feedback, including those on financial management (e.g., disability insurance, retirement planning), social media, and leadership. All workshops include catered meals and are free to both AGA members and nonmembers.
Carol Brown
Workshop attendees highly value the opportunity to network with other participants and pose questions to the speakers in person. However, in the past year we have also explored digitally streaming sessions with great success. In California, the workshop was streamed live from UCLA to an audience in Stanford and Iowa, who were also able to interact with the speakers remotely. The live streaming was very well received, as it offered increased access with the opportunity for real-time interactions with speakers. Based on the positive feedback, we are expanding its use in this current cycle, with the workshop in Ohio on Feb. 16 slated to be the first to be streamed live across the country. We also anticipate making the stream of the upcoming workshop in Boston on March 30 available to all interested fellows and early career GIs in the United States, including Puerto Rico.
Celena T. NuQuay
Recognizing that the content delivered in these workshops will not change significantly over short periods of time, the highest-rated sessions have been archived on the AGA website for viewing off-line. This allows select content to be viewed on demand by those who cannot attend the live workshops or those who want a refresher course prior to their actual job interview. The current library of 23 videos from various workshop presentations is available on the AGA website and social media platforms and have already generated 1,863 views. To view some of the more recent videos, click here.
