Fellows Corner

Fellows Corner 

By: Manisha Sigdel, MD 

First Year Fellow at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Harrisburg 

“If you want to go fast, go alone. if you want to go far, go together.”  

From October 21-23, 2023, the first-year fellows met near Chicago for the 14th Annual First-Year MFM Fellows Retreat and Workshop. The weekend was packed with eager faculty volunteering their time to provide guidance that will shape the way we view our continuing education during the next three years. While career development was a central component of the retreat, it was done along with karaoke and bartending lessons, which made for exciting conversation and networking opportunities. We had plenty of time to meet our peers and connect with them on different levels. 

The retreat had an intentional focus on career mapping and what I found most impactful was the characterization of choice. As physicians, we sometimes believe that there is a linear path to make an impact in this field. While conversing with faculty that were from academia, private practice, telemedicine, and a mix of the above, they highlighted that MFM is a career with many possible paths and ways to make an impact. 

Singing karaoke with my peers was a creative way to network and break down boundaries. It made us realize that while we operate as individuals day-to-day, we are part of an extended community. I came away feeling like the MFM community will support us in the good times and bad. What seems like an individual starting their journey with many potential forks in the road, I quickly recognized that my co-fellows across the country are always with me, as well as the faculty who have stretched out their hands to let us know that we are not walking this path alone. 

On behalf of the first-year fellows, I would like to thank SMFM, the Foundation for SMFM, the event planners, faculty, and sponsors for this incredible opportunity to learn and connect. 

The 2023 retreat took place October 21-23 just outside of Chicago, IL at The Eaglewood Resort in Itasca, IL. Designed specifically to position first-year MFM fellows for success, SMFM and the Foundation for SMFM co-host a retreat each year. Registration, lodging, and meals are complimentary and first-year fellows will be invited via email.

• Network with Luminaries in the Field 
• Learn about SMFM and the Foundation for SMFM
• Meet Other First-Year Fellows 
• Get Information about Funding Opportunities
• Get Tips for Success in Fellowship and your Career 
• Have Fun!

This event is reserved for incoming 2023 First Year MFM Fellows. If you have any questions please contact Tim Heinle.

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