In today’s Herand Abcarian Lecture, Things I Wish I Had Known at the Start of My Journey as a Colorectal Surgeon (8:00 am, in Room 104ABC), Tracy L. Hull, MD, FACS, will present an insightful and thought-provoking exploration of the multifaceted aspects of a successful career in colorectal surgery. Drawing from personal experiences, she will candidly reflect on pivotal experiences in her professional journey.
Dr. Hull, vice-chair of faculty development within the Department of Colon and Rectal Surgery at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, will blend personal anecdotes with hard-earned wisdom and invaluable advice to address crucial topics that are particularly relevant to young surgeons embarking on their own career trajectories.
As Dr. Hull was preparing for this lecture, she said she deeply considered her 30-year career as a colorectal surgeon and identified the most important lessons learned that—in some cases—transcend the boundaries of the medical field. These lessons include:
Publications: Be a part of meaningful research and get it published as soon as possible, advises Dr. Hull. She said she didn’t publish her first “good” paper until 2002, which was 10 years into her career. That first published paper helped put her “on the map” and solidify her niche. “I wish I would have absolutely made myself publish sooner. That would have been helpful for my career. Make yourself do it,” she said.
Mentorship: Dr. Hull encourages surgeons to be strategic and ask for help. She said she cannot underscore enough the pivotal role of mentorship and collaborative efforts in shaping a successful surgical career.
Family: Despite the demanding nature of being a surgeon, Dr. Hull stresses the importance of prioritizing personal well-being and family commitments. Through personal anecdotes, she will highlight the importance of establishing boundaries and prioritizing family alongside professional aspirations.
Leadership: “Everybody's a leader in something,” said Dr. Hull, emphasizing the importance of proactive leadership development and conflict resolution capabilities. She credits years of leadership courses with learning how to manage different personalities and navigate various communication styles and complex professional environments, as well as becoming familiar with concepts such as emotional intelligence, implicit bias, and situational awareness.
Diverticulitis and colorectal cancer: When Dr. Hull first started her career, surgery was the first treatment recommended for diverticulitis. “The pendulum has swung, and now we don't do surgery right away,” she said, adding that the evolution of how rectal cancer is treated also has been significant. In addition, it's predicted that by 2030, the incidence rate for rectal cancer will increase by 46% in people under the age of 50, and 25% of rectal cancer patients will be younger than 50 years old. “That's huge, and many doctors are not aware of this trend,” said Dr. Hull, while urging the medical community to pay attention to these emerging challenges and promising a good discussion around the revelations.
Dr. Hull's invaluable insights are poised to offer a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics within colorectal surgery, leaving a lasting impression on all those in attendance. So don’t miss what else she has to say during the highly anticipated Herand Abcarian Lecture.
This lecture, established in 2006 to honor the outstanding contributions of colon and rectal surgeon Herand Abcarian, MD, FACS, FASCRS, will be available for on-demand viewing shortly after the live presentation.
