As they prepare for graduation on June 24, chief residents in the Department of Otolaryngology at Washington University School of Medicine share their post-graduation plans, reflect on highlights of their training, and offer parting words of advice for their junior colleagues.
Stephanie Chen, MD
Next step
I will be starting a fellowship in head and neck oncologic surgery and microvascular reconstruction at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta.
Highlight of residency
One of my most memorable highlights was our post in-service exam party in 2020 hosted by our one and only Amit Walia. It was such a great time and we had no idea about the exotic “virus” brewing that would make everything shut down just a couple weeks later.
Departing advice
Be present and learn as much as you can from your fantastic attendings and co-residents. Every single person in the department has helped me become the surgeon/clinician that I am today, and I am so grateful to have matched here for residency. Some days may be rough but don’t forget to take care of yourself, enjoy life outside of the hospital, laugh things off, and give yourself a break sometimes. Thanks for teaching me so much every day and keeping me humble and on my toes, I hope to have taught you at least a little bit compared to all that you have taught me. Good luck with everything!
Pawina Jiramongkolchai, MD, MSCI
Next step
I am headed to a neurotology and skull base surgery fellowship at University of California, San Diego School of Medicine.
Highlight of residency
The highlights of residency have been the outstanding and comprehensive clinical and surgical experiences, the fantastic research opportunities and resources, and the incredible mentorship from our renowned faculty.
Departing advice
Work hard and learn as much as you can because the time during residency really does go by quickly!
Miranda Lindburg, MD
Next step
I’ll be staying at WashU with the department as a comprehensive otolaryngologist with specialty training in sleep medicine.
Highlight of residency
There have been so many incredible moments that it is difficult to pick just one highlight. One of the most memorable was the first time I guided a junior resident through a surgical case from cut to close. Although it was a straightforward procedure, it was gratifying to realize just how much I had learned that I could now pass on to others. It was also humbling to recognize that there was now a whole new skill for me to work on: teaching. I have loved teaching in the operating room and am very much looking forward to continuing to do so.
Departing advice
Don’t rush too much. It’s better to start by being thorough in your work, and learning everything you can from it, so you know how to become efficient later without missing things. Every patient, every consult is a learning opportunity—take them to heart! Residency will go by faster than you ever thought possible.
Andrew Skillington, MD, MSCI
Next step
I will be joining Sound Health Services in St. Louis as a general otolaryngologist.
Highlight of residency
The highlight of my residency is really the many interactions I have had with patients where I was able to positively impact their lives. There are so many patients that in helping them, have in return contributed to my own growth as a clinician and surgeon. These patient encounters will be what I most remember from residency.
Departing advice
Residency is a grind. Each day is a challenge. But, residency goes by quickly, so try to soak up as much knowledge as you can every single day. Maximize the opportunity that this wonderful program and institution have afforded you.
Carla Valenzuela, MD, MSCI
Next step
I am headed to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor for a fellowship in otology, neurotology and skull base surgery.
Highlight of residency
The highlight of my residency was transitioning from a junior resident to a senior resident. Because I did the T32 research track, I felt like (and, in fact, was) a junior resident for a long while, so when I finally became a senior resident, it took some time getting used to. My favorite moments though were being able to confidently perform procedures that I had only previously assisted on. I’ll never forget the first parotidectomy I did as a PGY 4 at Children’s [St. Louis Children’s Hospital] from start to finish. It might have taken a little longer than usual and I was pretty hungry at the end of it, but once we were done, I remember giving everyone high-five’s because I was just so overjoyed.
Departing advice for junior colleagues
My advice for the rising chiefs is to stay in tune with how you felt as a junior resident. If you see that your junior residents are totally swamped, start writing progress notes or just take care of one of the consults yourself. It will literally take like 5 minutes, and you definitely have the time. Also remember that it’s all about the team. My favorite motto for busy services is “We Are One.” People may laugh at first, but once they see you are dead serious, it really makes for a great rotation because you are all in it together.