Starting a pediatric emergency medicine fellowship is exciting—and, let’s be honest, a little overwhelming. So we asked current and recent PEM fellows: What do you wish you had known when you started? From practical clinical tips to mindset shifts, their advice is a mix of honesty, humor, and hard-earned wisdom. As you kick off your fellowship—or brace for what’s ahead—here’s what your fellow PEM fellows want you to know. Fellows were eager to give advice, so this is only part 1!
Have your own nugget of PEM wisdom to share? Send us an email at HipPEMcrates@gmail.com
Trust the process. There’s so much to learn, and it may feel overwhelming at first. Just by showing up to work, going to didactics, and being curious, you’ll develop the skills you need, learn the patterns of disease, and recognize when something’s different enough that you need to slow down. You’ll look back three years later and be amazed at how much you’ve learned.
Bobby Rosen, Boston Children’s Hospital
You will not know or learn everything in fellowship, and that is completely okay! Even our most senior attendings comment how they learn something new every shift!
Beverly Aiyanyor, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
It’s always okay to ask for help. There are lots of other smart people around who want to support you!
Catherine Coughlin, Boston Children’s Hospital
Part of the challenge is getting used to the discomfort of balancing a lot of things, learning new skills, doing rare procedures – that doesn’t go away immediately and it shouldn’t!!
Anonymous Fellow
Fellowship is easier in some ways compared to residency but can also be very challenging. Especially when it comes to time management and learning how to work with different personalities. Be gentle with yourself and make sure you continue to do the things you enjoy to the best of your ability.
Anonymous Fellow
Reading is more fun now that you’re “studying” something you’re actually interested in! Do what you can to get a little bit done every week — it’ll pay off.
Anonymous Fellow
Dr. Andzelika Dechnik, MD, is a 3rd year Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellow at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center. She can be reached at ad4154@cumc.columbia.edu.
