Thread by @rovingatuscap

With #USCAP2023 approaching, I have been conversing with @MSKPathology fellows about how to make the most of the meeting

Thought I would share some ideas here (thread🧵):

1. Large professional mtgs can be overwhelming & IMO, require a strategy in order to maximize gains
👇🏻 1/

2. Select sessions to attend:
MAKE A PLAN! @TheUSCAP

Review the conference website: 2023am.uscap.org

Select "Schedule" under the "Program" drop-down menu for a day by day, hour by hour view #USCAP2023 👇🏻 2/

3. Focus, Focus, Focus

Too many concurrent sessions at #USCAP2023 to randomly select

Residents: make ACTIVE choices - is there a subspecialty I'm considering fellowship in? is there a technology (#molecpath, #digitalpathology, #AI) that I want to learn more about? 👇🏻 3/

3 (cont.) Focus, Focus, Focus

Fellows: will my subspecialty studies be part of my career- how do I get synthesized information that will enable my practice? is there knowledge I should have gained nearing end of training that I can garner in a targeted manner? #USCAP2023 👇🏻 4/

3 (cont.) Focus, Focus, Focus

Let these❓❓determine:
- which platform talks/sessions you attend
- which posters you spend time at (🚨don't wander aimlessly)
- which expert talks, interactive 🔬sessions, short/long courses u will attend/be willing to 💰pay for #USCAP2023 👇🏻 5/

Still unsure?

My advice is to pick a mixture of sessions:
a. relevant to routine diagnostic practice
b. emphasizing contemporary advanced diagnostics
c. ✴️cutting edge approaches not yet in practice
🔬🧬
#USCAP2023 👇🏻 6/

4. Time, Effort, Energy Management

Know yourself and whether you will learn best:
- sitting in talks/lectures (👀platform sessions, short/long courses)
- interacting/dialoguing with presenters (👀poster session, interactive🔬)
#USCAP2023 👇🏻 7/

💫Specifically, if you are sitting in talks, practice "Strategic Sitting" - many #pathology luminaries/veterans tend to sit together w/their current & former trainees, collaborators - JOIN THEM!! to gain invaluable commentary (& ideas) on the presentations
#USCAP2023 👇🏻 8/

4 (cont.) Time, Effort, Energy Management

Reflect on max. length of⏳⏲️you can FOCUS before needing a break➡️save energy for sessions you've identified as MOST IMPORTANT

Balance information intake w/quiet times to assimilate (or journal) what you have learned
#USCAP2023 👇🏻 9/

5. Where Are My People?

Couple of ways to think about this:
a. who teaches in a way that I learn best?
b. is there someone who can help me navigate the meeting?
c. can I identify 1-3 colleagues who can help my career development/advancement?
#USCAP2023 👇🏻 10/

5 (cont.) Finding My People

TAKE ACTION:
a. ATTEND sessions of faculty who 'speak to you'
b. ASK a faculty member in your program to assist you in identifying #USCAP2023 opportunities best suited to your level of training, current/future interests
#USCAP2023 👇🏻 11/

5 (cont.) Finding My People

TAKE ACTION:
c. CONTACT (before meeting) or BE INTRODUCED to #pathologists who can be members of your 'professional board of directors' through collaboration, mentorship, ?fellowship opportunities
#USCAP2023 👇🏻 12/

💫Specifically, if you are entering a fellowship or job in July - this is an AMAZING 🤩OPPORTUNITY to meet for coffee/a meal or more informally, to shadow future colleague(s) at sessions and both get to know each other better +/- talk about collaboration
#USCAP2023 👇🏻 13/

6. Balancing Personal w/Professional

🚨Carefully allot time for catch-up with friends, but don't miss key🗝️learning venues as a result
👌🏻Decide which personal care (exercise, formal meals vs. on-the-go) and rest periods are non-negotiable (schedule🗓️them!)
#USCAP2023 👇🏻 14/

7. Craft an overall STRATEGY so that you leave the meeting feeling professionally & personally fulfilled & energized for the work ahead

If you enjoyed this thread 🧵consider re-tweeting the 1st tweet 👆🏻👆🏻

Have additional tips? invite #PathTwitter #MedTwitter to share

15/fin

@TheUSCAP @johnhart20 @RhondaYantiss @CPHpath @SteveBillingsMD @MRNucciMD @WeinrebIlan @aakasharmand @EdiBrogi @Aparwani_dpath @pathmingzhou @PathPro @theglasspusher @CollinsLauraC @CaDxPath @AnneMillsMD @DrCristinaMagi @Kiril_T_Can @BrookeHowittMD @DrNetto @virchow @GladellPaner

@PathDocBoston @pwraess @DrPhyuPAung2 @ktmontone @NRiddleMD @rajalbshah @priyaraomd @sza_jhcyto @DrMahul @edusqo @LotanLab @ro36693000 @PayalKapur5 @FKhaniPath @surrealistNYC @malignantwave @Shounak_Gupta @johncheville @MichelleDunno17 @Andres_M_Acosta @daniel_berney @evacomperat

@angiesmith_uro @daviesbj @uroegg @ChapinMD @DrChoueiri @montypal @tmprowell @acweyand @RobynCohenMD @drphil_urology @DrMBWesterman @CaseySeidemanMD @JMGardnerMD @KemiMDRad @fumikochino @CArnold_GI @sanamloghavi @slusagar @Williamson_SR @Gleason4plus5 @SaraEWobker