RESOURCES FOR TRAINEES
Every hematologist trainee , whether MD , DO , or PhD , should have a plan for career success . While every person ’ s career path clearly requires an individualized plan for true success , based on insight from hematology leadership and fellows , the ASH Trainee Council has created a generalized framework to help guide those training for a career in hematology .
See below for the Career-Development Timeline for MD Trainees . For more timelines and resources , including for PhD trainees , private practice trainees , and residents , visit hematology . org / Career / Timelines .
In addition to a list of continuous priorities throughout fellowship ( such as attending scientific meetings , finding mentors , and identifying grant and training opportunities ), the ASH Trainee Council developed a general timeline of priorities for Year 1 and Years 2-3 for MD trainees . This timeline assumes that year 1 will be devoted to clinical training , with remaining years focused on a specific career pathway .
YEAR 1
1 . Become a member of ASH .
2 . Attend the ASH Annual Meeting . The ASH annual meeting offers a plethora of opportunities including opportunities to check out the latest cutting-edge research in all fields of hematology , network with trained hematologists and researchers , meet and socialize with other trainees in the trainee lounge , and participate in Trainee Day , a high-yield and educational series of events geared toward trainees .
3 . Visit the trainee career center ; identify opportunities to apply for training in clinical / translational research degree programs or workshops .
4 . Develop a vision and map out your future . Identify your training track ( Master Clinician , Clinical Investigator , Physician Scientist , Physician Educator ), and choose a mentor based on the track you are pursuing in hematology .
5 . Identify an advisor , and strive to identify your mentor by the spring of your first year .
a . If an advisor is not assigned to you at the beginning of your fellowship , ask your program director to assist in the identification of an advisor . b . Expand your knowledge by attending seminars and conferences . Attending seminars and conferences at your institution ( within your division , department , cancer center , undergraduate / graduate departments ) can help you gain exposure to faculty ’ s research interests .
c . Begin meeting and gathering information on potential mentors . Try to identify your mentor by the spring of your first year so that you may begin to work on outlining a specific research project prior to starting year two .
6 . Complete the requisite tests for certification . In preparation for eventually conducting research at your institution , complete the requisite tests for certification , should they be necessary for the review of a forthcoming institutional research ethics board proposal on a study that you and your mentor are planning ( i . e ., proof of HIPPA awareness and the ethical conduct of research ).
YEARS 2-3
1 . Continue to schedule weekly meetings with your mentor ( s ).
2 . Have explicit conversations with your scholarly mentor at the outset regarding eventual funding . This will help you focus your thinking and will clarify expectations for both you and your mentor .
3 . Consider a small secondary project if your primary project will take over a year to complete . Small secondary projects may lead to an abstract , poster , and manuscript . Writing a review article or book chapter that will enhance your knowledge of your field may be useful . Preparing clinical protocols or research proposals may strengthen your protocol writing skills early on .
4 . Begin to research job opportunities in the spring . Begin to search job banks and ask the division chief for help . Keep your CV up to date and write a cover letter draft . Take advantage of presentations at meetings that discuss job searching / interviews , like the Career Development Lunch at the ASH Annual Meeting .
5 . Continue to meet with your program director at least every six months . These meetings are important to discuss the quality of your mentoring and research experience .
6 . Search for a subspecialty fellowship training program . Trainees seeking further specialized clinical skills development , with an opportunity to incorporate protected research time may search for a subspecialty fellowship training program ( BMT , thrombosis , vascular medicine , transfusion medicine ) rather than a non-specific year of research training .
7 . Keep a file of academic or research talks . These talks will be useful on the interview trail .
8 . Keep a “ teaching dossier ” of your academic activities . Proof of teaching skills may be required when applying for a clinician – educator track position .
9 . Strive to give talks at other institutions and present abstracts at meetings . Use discussions about your work to explore the potential for a position at other institutions .
10 . Continue your search for a position . It is helpful to have your mentor or other faculty members from your institution facilitate introductions with leaders in the field and other clinical and research scientists doing similar or complementary work . ●
8 Trainees and Fellows Edition