An Inside Look into General Surgery training in the Military with Recent Graduate Dr. Alexis Lauria

WarDocs - The Military Medicine Podcast

Join us on this fascinating journey with Captain Dr. Alexis Lauria, a graduating chief resident in general surgery at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Listen in as she takes us through her path to military medicine, the intricacies of applying for medical school, and her time at Penn State University. Hear about her experiences in the HPSP program during medical school and her subsequent general surgery training. We also celebrate Alexis’s remarkable accomplishment of completing six years of general surgery training.

In the second part of our discussion, Alexis recounts her time as a resident at Walter Reed, her research experiences, and the unique challenges she faced in her second and third year. She also talks about the importance of forming strong relationships with faculty members during medical rotations and shares valuable insights on effective leadership as a chief resident. She goes on to describe her time leading the general surgery team at Walter Reed and provides priceless advice for medical students considering a career in general surgery.

In the final segment, we discuss the value of mentorship and Alexis's experiences in her surgery residency. She explains how having strong support systems, like her marriage and class, played a crucial role in her journey. We also delve into the demanding process of becoming a board-certified general surgeon. Lastly, Alexis provides some helpful advice for new surgery residents. Tune in to hear Alexis discuss her favorite and challenging surgeries in training and the unique challenges and opportunities she faced in her military training.

--------- EPISODE CHAPTERS ---------

(0:00:01) - Military Medicine and General Surgery

(0:11:27) - General Surgery Residency and Research Experiences

(0:21:12) - Leadership in General Surgery Residency

(0:27:37) - Mentorship in Surgery Residency

(0:36:17) - Advice for New Surgery Residents

(0:40:53) - Favorite and Challenging Surgeries in Training

(0:43:23) - Challenges and Opportunities in Military Training

--------- EPISODE CHAPTERS WITH SHORT KEY POINTS ---------

(0:00:01) - Military Medicine and General Surgery

Alexis Lauria shares her journey to medical school, the HPSP program, and six years of general surgery training.

(0:11:27) - General Surgery Residency and Research Experiences

Alexis Lauria shares her military medical program experience, including Walter Reed residency and Society for Vascular Surgery Meeting.

(0:21:12) - Leadership in General Surgery Residency

Alexis Lauria shares advice on making meaningful connections with faculty, personalizing military applications, and leading a team as a chief resident.

(0:27:37) - Mentorship in Surgery Residency

Alexis Lauria shares her journey through surgery residency, discussing the qualifying exam, oral boards, mentors, and specialty development.

(0:36:17) - Advice for New Surgery Residents

Alexis Lauria emphasizes the importance of showing care for team members.

(0:40:53) - Favorite and Challenging Surgeries in Training

Vascular surgery challenges and rewards discussed, including laparoscopic cholecystectomy and vascular endografts, with advice from Alexis on military medical program.

(0:43:23) - Challenges and Opportunities in Military Training

Captain Dr. Alexis Lauria highlights the rewards of military work, relationships with faculty, and vascular surgery experiences.

EPISODE KEYWORDS

Military Medicine, General Surgery Residency, HPSP Program, Walter Reed, Chief Resident, Medical Rotations, Board-Certified General Surgeon, Vascular Surgery, Laparoscopy, Endografts, Leadership, Mentorship, Medical School, Residency Program, Interview Process, Research Experiences, Building Relationships, Advice

HASHTAGS

#MilitaryMedicine #VascularSurgery #GeneralSurgery #MedicalEducation #MedicalMentorship #HealthProfessionsScholarshipProgram #LeadershipInMedicine #WomenInMedicine #JourneyIntoMedicine #WalterReed

TAKE HOME MESSAGES

1. Military medicine provides unique opportunities for growth and learning, especially in areas such as mentorship, leadership, and specialty education.
2. The Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) offers valuable experiences and roles, aiding in the journey towards becoming a general surgeon.
3. The process of entering medical school and training to be a general surgery resident can be intricate and challenging, requiring significant dedication and passion for the field.
4. Mentorship plays a crucial role in the medical field, guiding young professionals in their journey and helping them navigate challenges and make strategic decisions.
5. Specialty and subspecialty medical education within the military is structured and organized, offering a clear path for those interested in specific areas of medicine.
6. A research year can provide invaluable experience and insights, especially when pursuing a specific specialty such as vascular surgery.
7. The structure and working of surgery teams are crucial for effective patient care, with each level carrying specific responsibilities.
8. Balancing responsibilities and maintaining relationships is essential in a demanding field like medicine.
9. Becoming a board-certified general surgeon involves various steps, including mentorship, research, and academic focus.
10. Organization and compartmentalization of stressors are crucial for team leaders in medical fields, helping to set an example for the team and ensure ideal patient care.

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