Stay Current Forums - How to Find Dedicated Pediatric Surgery Research
With Dr. Nikhil Shah · hosted by Dr. Rod Gerardo
Chapter 1 of 4 · Evidence & Research
Introductions
Introductions and Background on Research Position Acquisition
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Educational content from recorded physician discussions — not medical advice. Talk to your (or your child's) care team about your situation.
What the experts said
Nikhil Shah is a third-year general surgery resident at University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston with an interest in pediatric surgery
Nikhil Shah will start a two-year fellowship at University of Michigan in July in pediatric surgical critical care and surgical innovations research
Nikhil Shah was initially against research and wanted to complete training quickly, but after experiencing good pediatric surgical rotations, came to view two research years as worthwhile for career development
Rod Gerardo is a general surgery resident and research resident at Cincinnati Children's Hospital
Rod Gerardo obtained his research position through networking after Dr. Todd Ponsky gave grand rounds at his home institution about social media and surgical education, followed by phone conversations and a direct offer
Many general surgery residents interested in pediatric surgery plan from the beginning and typically take research time after second year of residency
Nikhil Shah decided on pediatric surgery at the end of second year/beginning of third year, later than typical
Choosing a research fellowship should be based on career goals, research goals, and social/life goals
Nikhil Shah wanted a joint clinical and research experience because he did not have a strong research background coming into residency but was strong clinically
Critical care is a big part of Nikhil Shah's training interests and what he wants to incorporate into future practice
Rod Gerardo initially planned to do five years of general surgery without research but later decided he wanted to be an academic surgeon
General surgery residents should start by looking at resources their home program offers, talking to mentors, faculty, and chief residents about goals and approaches
The APSA website has a comprehensive tab with information about pediatric surgery fellowship programs, pediatric surgical critical care fellowships, and research opportunities
Critical care and research positions in pediatric surgery are outside the match and require direct application with resume, CV, personal statement, and letters
Clinical fellowships are available at various institutions including fetal surgery at Cincinnati and Michigan, pediatric surgical critical care, and colorectal surgery fellowships at Children's National