T2: What are some major non-clinical pitfalls to avoid early in your career? #CTCareers Remember to start responses with T2 and tag #CTCareers so we can follow your response in the chat stream

#CTCareers Just cause you did the complex post-induction uniportal sleeve resection on your last day of fellowship doesn’t mean you start with that first day of your new job! Start with bread and butter. Get early wins. Build your attending confidence.

Ok T3 coming up shortly #CTCareers

T2 have to establish good relationships with clinical team members and also create network of collaborators for areas of interest (clinical, research, service, etc) #ctcareers

1. T3: If you do find yourself in a tough spot (either clinically or non-clinically) what strategies have you used to turn things around? #CTCareers Remember to start responses with T3 and tag #CTCareers so we can follow your response in the chat stream

T3: Seek advice from colleagues (either at your institution or outside) for a diverse array of perspectives. Don’t fight the battle alone! #CTCareers

T3 #CTCareers: Your program director from training never really stops being your program director. Don't hesitate to reach out to trusted mentors and colleagues from all stages of your career.

Joseph D. Phillips, MD FACS T3 Engage your mentors and seek wisdom. Pretty much nothing new under the sun. If you’re going through it someone else has and likely has a roadmap to getting to upside and mitigating downside #ctcareers

Ok T4 coming up shortly #CTCareers

T4 : What are/were you most concerned about when starting your attending career? #CTCareers Remember to start responses with T4 and tag #CTCareers

T4: I was most concerned with making the right decisions regarding patient care. Checking in with senior partners to make sure you are seeing the whole picture helped a lot. Also, involve your multi-disciplinary tumor board or teams to get other opinions. #CTCareers

T4 Looking back, I would say managing the stress of new attending responsibility was the most difficult #ctcareers

#CTCareers

T4: Making sure that I am the 3 "A"s that make a great surgeon - Available, Affable, and Able. Will never forget lessons from Nahush Mokadam #CTCareers

Time for closing thoughts, fire away! #CTCareers

The start of your career is just that; the beginning of a marathon. While you have come far, you have a long way to go. Choose your cases carefully, ask for help, and be humble. #CTCareers

Joseph D. Phillips, MD FACS #CTCareers There are many demands on early career surgeons and many “asks” Occasionally reflect on what’s important to you. Remember why you became a surgeon. If you remain true to your own goals and values, and ignore the noise, you can’t go wrong! Enjoy the best job there is.

Thank you all for contributing to this fantastic chat! Such great advice. Follow STS's The Hub and #CTCareers to stay on top of the discussion! sts.org/career-develop…