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Focusing on research in fellowship
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We are privileged to be part of an eminently exciting time in oncology. There has been a veritable explosion of knowledge and research over the past several years, and this has been gradually translated into effective therapies for patients.
The first time I truly realized this was at the 2006 ASCO Prostate Symposium.
I found it staggering that several days could be spent at a major conference on a particular disease. Perhaps even more astonishing was how much controversy remains in numerous areas of oncology, in spite of all the research efforts.
As a fellow, this experience, along with the inspiration gleaned from my mentors, compelled me to focus on genitourinary malignancies during my training. Given the enormity of the body of knowledge that we need to learn, my time in fellowship thus far has strengthened my belief that one should endeavor to study a certain area of oncology in much greater depth.
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Of course, especially for a first-year fellow, there are several potential hurdles in doing this. First, one may not have an outright specific interest in mind. Another factor is that extra time is often scarce as a first-year fellow, further hindering one’s efforts. At the same time, it may not be clear early in fellowship as to who would serve as a good mentor.
To share my experience in fellowship thus far, my advice is to start by picking a tumor study group that interests you. Hand in hand with this is finding a mentor. This is tricky, because you would like to find someone who is very knowledgeable but also someone who is approachable, and willing to work with a fellow.
Good sources to identify such a person include senior fellows, who may be able to give you an insider’s view from a common perspective. If your search for a mentor still remains elusive, I would approach the program director, who has surely faced this question before.
Then, when discussing a potential project with a mentor, stay grounded in practicality. Except when you have dedicated research time, you generally have to continually divide your time between calls, service months and clinics. Try not to bite off more than you can chew. Be mindful of both your schedule and your own set of research skills before embarking on a given project.
This whole process can take weeks to months before you commence your research in earnest. But the benefits are plentiful: You have the opportunity to learn from experts and hopefully both attend and present at conferences.
This in and of itself is a rewarding experience, as you discuss your research with other investigators and meet other fellows. Ideally, this will in turn spur the development of new ideas, and stimulate further original research.
Research protocol
Another avenue seriously worth exploring at some point in your training career is writing a research protocol. This is a fabulous way to really understand the intricacies of a clinical trial, and the extensive background research and brainstorming required before even beginning such a project.
Writing a protocol is an excellent learning experience, and there is something very satisfying when you start seeing patients enrolling on a trial that you worked hard to develop.
Fellowship is our great opportunity to learn and explore. Particularly in the field of hematology and oncology, in the current era of “super-specialization,” research is an essential part of the educational experience, and can also help to clarify your career path.
To quote Sir William Osler, “Live neither in the past nor in the future, but let each day’s work absorb your entire energies, and satisfy your widest ambition.”
Amit Mehta, MD, is a second-year Fellow in the Division of Hematology and Oncology at University of Medicine and Dentistry, New Jersey, and is a member of the HemOnc Today Editorial Board.