Young Physician Series - Teaching Trainees

Description

In this episode of HSS Presents, Dr. Austin Kaidi introduces Dr. Sravisht Iyer, a spine surgeon at the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), as they delve into the topic of teaching trainees in medicine. Dr. Kaidi outlines the podcast's aim to provide educational insights into musculoskeletal science and health.



Dr. Iyer, reflecting on his own journey as a former trainee at HSS, shares his experience in guiding medical students, residents, and fellows. He emphasizes the importance of tailoring teaching approaches based on the trainees' learning stages—from shadowing undergraduates to senior residents preparing for independent practice.



They discuss practical methods for engaging trainees effectively, such as staying attuned to each learner's goals and adapting teaching styles accordingly. Dr. Iyer also notes how teaching underlines the responsibility of attendings to model best practices and demystify complex surgical procedures, particularly in the challenging specialty of minimally invasive spine surgery.



Dr. Iyer shares insightful anecdotes about balancing the teaching and surgical aspects, reinforcing that every interaction with trainees holds value, regardless of their level of interest in spine surgery. A key takeaway from their discussion is the communal nature of this teaching-learning dynamic, emphasizing how seasoned surgeons also learn from their trainees, enhancing their own practice.



Finally, the conversation highlights the enriching experiences that come from mentoring and teaching, encouraging early-career attendings to embrace this role as a critical component of their professional journey.

Specialties