As the Department of Pathology & Immunology’s Residency Program prepares for a changing of the guard, we’ve spoken to outgoing Chief Residents about their experience in the department and advice they would like to share with incoming residents. We also asked the about their plans after graduation. Although they’re all headed in different directions, they are united in their acclaim of the department’s training program and the strong bonds they’ve made during residency.
Cedric Bailey, DO
What initially drew you to apply to the WashU P&I residency program?
WashU’s reputation for hands-on learning with a robust anatomic and clinical pathology curriculum lead me to apply; yet it was the pre-interview dinner that really caught my attention. One group of residents was making plans together for the upcoming weekend, while another group were regaling interviewees with tales of past adventures. It became clear quite quickly that the trainees at WashU were the most cohesive group among any program I interviewed at – trainees with families would have playdates for their kids, people were organizing joint cycling events, while others made a point to try a new restaurant every week. It truly felt like the trainees were more of a family rather than just coworkers.
What have been the highlights during your time as a resident in P&I?
I have two major highlights during my five years at WashU. I was fortunate enough to serve as cytopathology fellow during the ’20-’21 academic year and personally teach the first-year anatomic pathology trainees. Those teaching relationships blossomed over the next 3 years into some of the most rewarding relationships I’ve had in my career thus far. From teaching trainees on their first day to seeing them come into their own as senior trainees has been incredibly rewarding. The other highlight is serving as Anatomic Pathology Co-Chief alongside the most cohesive and supportive group of chiefs imaginable. I grew exponentially as a physician, leader, and person getting to work with Patty, Ariel, and Krithika during this past academic year and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work with each of them.
What are your immediate personal and professional plans after graduation?
I am headed to Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles to follow in the footsteps of Dr. Horacio Maluf, a truly renowned surgical pathologist from the WashU family. I will serve as an Anatomic Pathology Instructor for a year with independent sign-out responsibilities in surgical pathology and cytopathology. I am excited for this a wonderful opportunity to continue to learn and grow as a pathologist, while also returning to my home state of California where I plan to surf, swim, and hike during every free moment.
What advice do you have for incoming first-year residents?
My advice for all trainees, especially first year trainees, is to embrace the rigors of training with an open mind and commit yourself to your patients. Push yourself to grow intellectually and emotionally during this pivotal period of your career.
Patricia Hernandez, MD
What initially drew you to apply to the WashU P&I residency program?
I applied to the WashU P&I residency program given the robust research studies, as I am interested in pursuing a career in academia. Also, the possibility of being exposed to Informatics and the fellowships in Molecular and Informatics attracted me. However, what makes me really happy to be here is the people. I applied for residency during the pandemic, with limited interpersonal interactions. I am tremendously lucky to be at WashU because of the ongoing support from faculty, trainees and staff. We chat about other things outside of Pathology and hang out outside work. Coming to work happy every day is the most important thing!
What have been the highlights during your time as a resident in P&I?
It’s been a steep learning curve since I started. Other than that, I had opportunities to be involved in research, which resulted in presentations in conferences and publications (even during my PGY-1!). This is very important for my career goals. I also served in leadership roles, which taught me things that are not in books! Interpersonal and soft skills were remarkable lessons. Lastly, I made friends, and I’ve had fun!
What are your immediate personal and professional plans after graduation?
I am a PGY-2 currently, my graduation will take place at the end of the next academic year. After that, my professional plans include to continue my education at WashU as a Molecular and Informatics fellow. In addition, I plan a transition to a faculty position once I complete my training. Regarding my personal plans, I am considering a nice trip involving hiking and adventures. Any suggestions would be highly appreciated!
What advice do you have for incoming first-year residents?
Dear incoming PGY-1s, time goes by very fast! Take any opportunity to learn! I was on your shoes not a long time ago, and here I am as a soon-to-be senior resident! Also, don’t hesitate to reach out to any trainee or faculty should you have any questions. Everyone is extremely helpful and willing to help. Finally, this is a big program with diverse residents and fellows. I am sure you will find someone to connect with and share interests!
Krithika Shenoy, MBBS
What initially drew you to apply to the WashU P&I residency program?
WashU is historically known to have trained some of the brightest pathologists in the world. Being a tertiary medical centre, the department receives a high volume of cases of mixed complexity, that is I think is crucial for training. There is not a day that goes by where there is not an interesting case or something rare to look at. The faculty here are highly committed to education and research. We have some of the best staff, including pathologists’ assistants, frozen section and autopsy technicians, laboratory technologists and supervisors.
What have been the highlights during your time as a resident in P&I?
One of the major highlights of training at WashU was being chosen to serve as one of the anatomic pathology chief residents. It was a truly humbling year for me with a lot of life lessons.
What are your immediate personal and professional plans after graduation?
I will be staying on at WashU to complete my two fellowships, first in Gastrointestinal and Liver Pathology (2023-2024) followed by Molecular and Genetic Pathology (2024-2025).
What advice do you have for incoming first-year residents?
Congratulations on making it till here! My only advice would be to continue to work hard and be nice to everyone.
Ariel Wu, MD
What initially drew you to apply to the WashU P&I residency program?
The history and tradition of producing extremely skilled diagnosticians in surgical pathology, and the rigorous and hands-on clinical pathology training all drew me to apply to the WashU P&I residency program. I can definitely say that the program has fully delivered on both aspects!
What have been the highlights during your time as a resident in P&I?
Spending time in the resident room with all the trainees these past four years, seeing everyone grow in their clinical skills, and getting to experience major life milestones with people who have become lifelong friends.
What are your immediate personal and professional plans after graduation?
I’m currently planning my wedding with my fiancé, which has been an overwhelming but fun undertaking! Professionally, I’ll be staying at WashU as the Gyn and Breast fellow and am very excited for this upcoming year. I’ve also started interviewing for jobs with plans to stay in the St. Louis area.
What advice do you have for incoming first-year residents?
Be prepared to work hard, but never forget to enjoy the process of learning and building the incredible relationships you will form during your time at WashU! Support and take care of each other!
