7.09.2012

Fellowship year

I mentioned on my previous post that I am deciding what to do for fellowship.

Here's a summary of my dilemma (hopefully organizing my thoughts would help me and Derrick; me mostly, Derrick is not a list-maker like me)

Track 1. Movement disorder fellowship for a year
This track requires 9-10 months of training in the adult movement disorder clinic at IU and 2-3 months of away electives in University of Rochester, NY and/or WashU in St Louis (10 hours away or 4 hours away, respectively). My husband assures me that he and the kids will be fine when I am away one month at a time -- I believe them . The problem is ME! Am I gonna be ok away from them for a month? I anticipate mental and emotional breakdowns, and homesickness while away.
This year is appealing because I like helping out Cerebral palsy kids who have contractures and spasticity. I can perform botox injections on their limbs to loosen their extremities so diapering is easier, sitting on their power chair is more comfortable etc.
Movement disorders in childhood are also interesting (just like child neurology in general). They can be secondary to metabolic or genetic disorders.

Track 2. Epilepsy/EEG fellowship for a year
Since I was leaning towards pediatric movement during application time for fellowship, the 2 spots for Epilepsy fellowship are already filled at IU. If I choose this track, I will have to wait for 7 months after residency to start. If I am already working "regular" doctor salary for 7 months, will I be able to go back to "fellow" salary? Some people have done it that way for sure (work for months to years in the "real world" then come back for a pay-cut to train some more). This epilepsy/EEG year will certainly help me with my work as a general child neurologist. There's a lot of seizures in general child neurology.

Track 3. No fellowship. I will be practicing out in the real world by December 2013! Some child neurologists have also taken this track and are quite successful and competent.

Decisions, decisions!
Please send prayers my way!

For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

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