As they prepare for graduation on June 27, five chief residents in the Department of Otolaryngology at WashU Medicine share their post-graduation plans, reflect on highlights of their training, and offer parting words of advice for their junior colleagues. Please join us in celebrating their many successes and contributions to the department and the field of otolaryngology.
Thomas Barrett, MD
Next step?
I’ll be moving to New York City for the next year to complete at a fellowship in Head and Neck Oncologic and Microvascular surgery at Mount Sinai Hospital.
Highlight of your residency?
This is a tough question! Completing my first neck dissection – start to finish – as the most senior person in the room, was definitely a highlight. Also, seeing my research published in Nature Communications, was another.
Parting advice?
Residency goes by fast, even for seven-year research track folks. Make the most of the time you have here.
Sabina Dang, MD
Next step?
I’ll be joining a small private practice in Huntsville, Alabama.
Highlight of your residency?
The moments from residency that stand out to me are the ones where we build friendships and celebrate together. In particular, I have loved our many Friendsgivings filled with great food and even greater company. I am grateful my husband and I were able to continue the family tradition of hosting!
Parting advice?
Often we feel that residency is too long, and understandably there are hard days with long hours. However, as I’ve gone through residency, I’ve realized that five years is such a short time to learn all you can from our mentors. I would encourage everyone to cherish their time and take full advantage of our many opportunities.
Daniel Lander, MD, MSCI
Next step?
Next year I will be doing a fellowship in Head and Neck Surgery & Microvascular Reconstruction at University of Kansas Medical Center.
Highlight of your residency?
The highlight of residency has certainly been the opportunity to work as chief on the Head and Neck service at the end of this year.
Parting advice?
Embrace the challenge of residency. You will often learn the most from the most difficult cases.
Amit Walia, MD, MSCI
Next step?
I’ll be starting a neurotology fellowship here at WashU Medicine. I hope to expand upon my research during fellowship and develop a career as a physician scientist.
Highlight of your residency?
The highlight of my residency has been the mentorship and camaraderie I built with attendings and co-residents. Over the past seven years, I learned as much from their guidance as from the cases themselves. Those relationships not only sustained me through challenging rotations but they continue today, both professionally and personally, as we collaborate on projects and reconnect on trips or conferences.
Parting advice?
Be relentlessly generous with your time. Show up early, stay late when necessary, and teach what you learn to the person just behind you. That combination of diligence and mentorship not only accelerates your own growth but builds the culture of excellence you’ll rely on throughout your career.
Stephanie Youssef, MD
Next step?
I will be joining a private practice ENT group in Austin, Texas.
Highlight of your residency?
The highlight of my residency has been operating with my co-residents! It is rewarding to see how much we have all learned when we operate together.
Parting advice?
When you become a senior resident, don’t forget what it was like to be a junior resident. Teaching takes patience so remember to be kind to those who are learning.