PGY-5 General Internal Medicine – University of Saskatchewan
FellowGeneral Internal Medicine University of Saskatchewan
May 2017
Printable versionAbout Me
My name is Alia Teja. I’m a General Internal Medicine fellow in my PGY-5 year at the University of Saskatchewan. I grew up in Calgary, Alberta and received an honours Bachelor of Science degree in Human Biology and Psychology from the University of Toronto. I travelled to complete a medical degree at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and my internal medicine residency in the United States at Maine Medical Centre, a Tufts University affiliated hospital in Portland, Maine.
Why I chose General Internal Medicine
During medical school, I enjoyed learning about many different areas of medicine and found it difficult to select just one. My decision making was a process of elimination, taking into account that I most enjoyed working in a hospital setting and as part of a team. I narrowed in on the care of adults, as I was motivated by clinical encounters where I could engage in influential conversations and educate patients about their medical issues.
After clinical rotations and electives, and speaking with many physicians in the field, my overall sense was that the nature of the work and the work environment of an internist suited my career goals and personality. When it came to selecting a subspecialty, I decided to continue with what I knew would be an interesting and fulfilling career by pursuing a fellowship in General Internal Medicine.
Clinical Life
What does a typical day of clinical duties involve?
What kinds of rotations are required in your program?
PGY-4 year of the fellowship includes a number of required rotations, such as inpatient consult service, inpatient (MRP) service, pre-operative assessment clinics, outpatient internal medicine and specialty clinics, obstetrical medicineclinics, and electro-diagnostics, as well as a fellows clinic and elective rotations.
PGY-5 year of the fellowship consists of CTU and ICU junior attending rotations as well as elective time during which fellows may focus on an area of interest. For example, I opted to pursue a master’s degree in health professions education during my PGY-5 year.
Which of your personality characteristics have been particularly helpful in your field?
Adaptability is a particularly valuable quality, given the range of medical problems and practice settings that I encounter. While there is a good variety in the work of a general internist, you need to be willing and able to adapt, as the knowledge and skills that are required on a day to day basis, or from one practice setting to another, are bound to vary.
Communication skills are also particularly important. In the role as a primary care provider, educating patients and collaborating with other team members are critical to optimizing patient care and in leading an effective care team. Similarly, in the role of a consultant working with other specialties, communication of recommendations and management plans must be comprehensive yet concise to ensure cohesive patient care.
What are the best aspects of your residency?
The variety of work is one of the most appealing aspects of general internal medicine. There is never a day that feels mundane or routine. The pathology encountered in patients is often complex, interesting and thought-provoking, requiring multi-disciplinary care and collaboration amongst care providers.
What are the most challenging aspects of your residency?
One of the most challenging aspects is keeping up to date with guidelines and best practices. This is probably not exclusive to the subspecialty of general internal medicine. Information is released at such a rapid rate, and patient care practices are constantly evolving, requiring diligence and motivation to engage in active learning and self-assessment.
What is one question you’re often asked about your residency?
The field of general internal medicine is often misunderstood by those outside the field of medicine, and requires explanation of our roles within the health system. For those considering pursuing a career in general internal medicine, however, it is important to consider future job prospects. General internists are currently well positioned given the widespread need for generalists, particularly in community settings.
Can you describe the transition from clerkship into residency?
This can be daunting, and a challenge for many residents; however, the learning environment of my fellowship program was highly supportive and enabled me to make a smooth transition. Having come from a residency training program in the United States, I faced having to learn a new health system and practice setting, not to mention learning different brand names for medications and normal ranges for test results. My staff and co-fellows accommodated my learning curve, and provided me with tailored support according to my needs in order for me to learn and work effectively.
Will you be pursuing further training or looking for employment? WHat resources are available to you for future planning?
During my fellowship, I started a Masters in Health Professions Education through Johns Hopkins University, which will continue beyond my training program as I begin working as faculty. I hope to put what I learn through the master’s program into practice in an academic centre, and will garner support and guidance from my program director and other faculty to make this next transition. Job listings and other fellowship opportunities are regularly circulated by our program director and program coordinator, which helps me to remain aware of what is out there in the job market.
Non-Clinical Life
What are your academic interests (e.g. leadership activities, research)?
My academic interests have focused on teaching, particularly with my undertaking of a M.Ed degree. I hope to formally incorporate an educational role in the next stage of my career.
I also have an interest in leadership roles, which has led to my taking up positions with PAIRS and RDoC. This has helped me feel part of a larger community of residents, and allows me to contribute to the advocacy of residents’ needs.
What is your work-life balance like, and how do you achieve this?
Maintaining a good work-life balance is always a challenge; however, I feel that I have strong support networks not only from friends and family, but also from colleagues and mentors at work. Work schedules as a fellow are somewhat less demanding than during residency, allowing me to live a more balanced life today.
Outside of work, I aim to stay active by running or attending exercise classes, and often use my vacation days to travel and experience a change of scenery.
