Tip 8: Mentorship and peer-mentorship
Establishing a network of regional and national advanced endoscopy colleagues and mentors is critical. This may be harder to develop in community-based and private practice, where one may feel that they are on an “island.” Engagement with national organizations, use of social media, and other avenues are excellent ways to build this network. Advanced endoscopic procedures also are associated with higher rates of adverse events, so having a peer-support group to provide emotional and moral support when these adverse events occur also is important. Such a network also includes those collaborating specialties to which you would refer (surgical oncology, thoracic surgery, etc.). Being involved in local tumor boards and “gut clubs” is another way of remaining engaged and not feeling isolated.
Tip 9: Have fun
Advanced endoscopy can be busy, as well as physically and mentally exhausting. It is important to maintain a good work-life balance. In addition, planning scheduled retreats or social events with your advanced endoscopy team (nurses, technicians, schedulers, colleagues) is important not only to show appreciation, but also to help build camaraderie and develop relationships.
Tip 10: Remember your ‘why’
Often times, there can be stressors associated with building a practice and increasing your volume, therefore, it is always important to remember why you became a medical professional and advanced endoscopist. This will get you through the days where you had a complication or when things didn’t go as planned.
Conclusion
Lastly, it is important to keep revisiting your skill sets and practice and evaluate what is working well and what can be improved. To all the advanced endoscopists starting their careers: Be patient and have a positive attitude! The leaders in our field did not become so overnight, and an advanced endoscopy–based career resembles a marathon rather than a sprint. Mistakes during procedures and practice building can be made, but how you grow and learn from those mistakes is what determines how likely you are to succeed going forward. Respect and acknowledge your staff, your collaborating physicians, and mentors. It takes time and effort to develop an advanced endoscopy practice. Being proud of your achievements and promoting procedural and patient care advances that you have made are beneficial and encouraged. We are fortunate to be in an ever-evolving specialty, and it is an exciting time to be practicing advanced endoscopy. Good luck!
Dr. Soudagar is a gastroenterologist at Northwestern Medical Group, Lake Forest, Ill. Dr. Bilal, assistant professor of medicine at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, is an advanced endoscopist and gastroenterologist at Minneapolis VA Medical Center. The authors have no conflicts of interest.
