Dear Class of 2021,

Congratulations on being seniors!

We are inviting you to be part of a series of lectures and forums that are all part 

of the  “Life After Residency” curriculum. Our idea is to help YOU succeed 

with your professional career after you graduate from residency.

Residency requires a great deal of delayed gratification. While times

have changed, especially with respect to knowledge, advanced technology (such 

as the use of U/S for central line placement), and stricter regulations (such as the 

80 hour restricted work week), we all eventually arrive at that point in our lives 

when we must leave the relative comfort and protection of our training program 

and choose an independent career.

Unfortunately, what has not changed is the lack of guidance and education with 

regards to the myriad options available to us. While we are paid during our 

training, we by and large have lived a very frugal lifestyle and have always been 

directed as to where we should be, when we should be there, and what we 

should do. Few of us, if any, regard our future in terms of the different types of 

practices available, the earning potential, the financial responsibilities, and the 

legal ramifications. It is not uncommon for you as a resident, being highly 

intelligent yet independent thinking individuals, to be unhappy or disillusioned 

with your initial practice experience. This is not truly a failure in job selection; 

it merely reflects our lack of education and understanding with regards to the 

nuances of medical practice.

While everyone's goals are unique, certain generalizations can be made to help 

choose the most fitting/ desirable practice for each individual. There are 

multiple resources out there for you to examine; however, we all know that most 

of these resources are too complex for someone who is already overwhelmed 

with starting a life on their own.

Several years ago,  Dr. Mila Felder began running a series of seminars, 

exhibitions, and workshops designed to help residents cope with certain issues. 

Some of these included choosing a subspecialty, applying for a state license, 

preparing a CV, learning how to have a successful interview, understanding and 

managing financial issues, or negotiating a contract you can live with, and so 

forth. The immense success and ensuing demand for more events eventually 

gave rise to this forum called Life After Residency. This has been an invaluable 

asset to every resident during the transition from residency to life thereafter.

We are open to your suggestions as to topics, venues, or format for the forum. 

This is your LIFE AFTER RESIDENCY curriculum

Looking forward to your thoughts and participation,

Sincerely

 THE LAR COMMITTEE

Abhishek Katiyar, MD,

Clinical Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine

Advocate Christ EM Resisdency Program

Oak Lawn, IL

Andrea Carlson, MD

Assistant Program Director

Advocate Christ Hospital EM Residency Program

Oak Lawn, IL

Scott Altman, MD

Clinical Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine

Advocate Christ Hospital EM Residency Program

Oak Lawn, IL

Kelly Williamson, MD

Assistant Program Director

Advocate Christ Hospital EM Residency Program

Oak Lawn, IL