Fellows in the Department of Otolaryngology at Washington University have spent the past year honing surgical skills and learning to care for the most complex patients in their specialties. As they prepare for graduation, they share some thoughts on their future plans and fellowship experience.
Christopher Ian Newberry, MD, fellow in pediatric otolaryngology
Where are you headed next?
I will be joining a hybrid private practice in Providence, Rhode Island where I will also serve as adjunct associate professor for residents at The Warren Alpert School of Medicine at Brown University.
Highlight of your fellowship?
There is no single moment that stands out. Rather, it was the specific progression of surgical skills over the year and becoming more confident and autonomous.
Most valuable lesson you’ll take from this fellowship?
Learning to manage some of the most complex patients from start to finish was undoubtedly the most valuable experience of the past year.
Fondest memory of St. Louis outside of the hospital?
I spent my undergraduate years here, but getting to re-experience all the places and things I enjoyed back then, but this time with a family and a 1-year-old daughter, was very special.
Hillary Newsome, MD, fellow in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery
Where are you headed next?
I will be stepping into an academic position as assistant professor of otolaryngology at University of Connecticut, Farmington.
Highlight of your fellowship?
I have probably most enjoyed getting to work with the residents and watching their surgical skills progress through their rotations in the Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Most valuable lesson you’ll take from this fellowship?
The most valuable lesson confirmed throughout my fellowship is that patient satisfaction is the number one priority.
Fondest memory of St. Louis outside of the hospital?
St. Louis has been a wonderful temporary home. I most enjoyed being at home and spending time with family and friends, wherever we happen to be.
Sepehr Shabani, MD, fellow in advanced head and neck surgical oncology and microvascular reconstruction
Where are you headed next?
I am headed to Texas to join the head and neck faculty at The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.
Highlight of your fellowship?
The highlight moment of my fellowship was getting my first real job offer and sharing that news with my family.
Most valuable lesson you’ll take from this fellowship?
The one lesson that really stands out is how much teamwork and collaboration with other disciplines can truly enhance patient outcomes, especially for the most complex patients.
Fondest memory of St. Louis outside of the hospital?
I remember the date – Feb. 3 of this year, when St. Louis got its first real snow of our stay here. My wife and I went to Forest Park and enjoyed a peaceful walk in the snow.