As the end of this crazy first year ID fellowship wraps up, here are a list of a few survival tricks I've come up with over the year. Hopefully this is of use to all the new ID fellows about to start! #idtwitter (attributions in parentheses)
It is less a list of medical knowledge that is important for ID (though there is some of that 🦠🦟) it is mostly just skills to get through the day and be an effective fellow.
Like any ID list, this has to start with Staph aureus. Respect the Staph. I thought I had an understanding of this pathogen in residency. I did not. It can do terrible things and form abscesses where you don't think it will (From: every ID attending)
Trust but verify. A team may tell you a patient has a MRSA bacteremia, but in reality they have 1/4 CoNs in the blood. It is best to check this before doing a whole chart review (Rupak Datta)
When you do a chart review (and you will do many deep dives), it is best to have a system to look through the chart. Look through the chart the same way each time so you don't miss anything (@alan_koff and Shana Gleeson)
With learning, it is also best to have a system so that you can record all the information coming at you. I chose to have a black notebook (@DavidCGaston) for on the wards teaching and then @evernote on my phone for important tables and charts.
Be specific in your language. Try to say "possible invasive pulmonary aspergillosis" as opposed to just "aspergillosis." It makes your notes and thinking clearer (Marwan Azar).
Corollary: Be specific in the dosing and route of antimicrobials you recommend. Some teams don't know the difference between PO and IV vancomcyin and your note should help guide them (@DrJuthani). This will prevent unwanted errors.
ID pharmacists will save you every time. They know sooooo much. Learn from them and read the articles they send you (@Day_Mac3 @omattacycline @pinkapothecary )
When presenting to ID attendings at conference, never be caught without a representative gram stain... only chaos and sadness will ensue (my lived experience) 
Headphones are an essential item to keep on hand at all times. You will work in many loud work rooms.
Read op reports way closer than you did when you were a medicine resident. They are the key to so many cases (@Pranay_md). When you can't understand something call the surgery team. They are there to help.
Each attending has something they are known for-- something that is their strength. Learn that from them.
Sometimes things can get quite complicated (a.k.a. CMV) don't be afraid to ask the attendings who are experts in the area @maricar_malinis
And finally, it is your Co-fellows who get you through as @id_seval told me at the beginning of the year. Be there for each other (to @AudunLier and all my other Co fellows who aren't on the twitters), cause you never know... there might be a pandemic or something
That's all I have for now... what did I miss ?🦠
Oh I forgot a big one: most people don’t know if the difference between infection control and infectious diseases. Have infection controls number at the ready, it will save you a lot of time.
