A How to Guide for Medical Students

This book will provide a guide for medical students to self-reflect, build a portfolio, and select a career path equipped with the knowledge to make an informed decision that is the best for them. 

The editors comprise a diverse spectrum from background, stage of training, type of practice, to career path. This is a timely update taking into account new situations such as the virtual environment for residency applications, the spotlight on residency wellness, and incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusion in our personal and institutional missions.

Andrea Gillis is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Breast and Endocrine Surgery at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. After receiving her M.D. from Columbia University and completing surgical residency at Albany Medical Center in New York. She completed endocrine surgery fellowship training at the University of Alabama at Birmingham where she began her career. Her clinical interests include thyroid cancer, benign thyroid disease, hyperparathyroidism, adrenal disease, and surgical treatment of inherited endocrine syndromes. Dr. Gillis is a health outcome disparities and translational science researcher working in the field of epigenetics, specifically examining differences in gene expression in neuroendocrine tumors by race. She is extramurally funded in order to pursue this work. She is also passionate about surgical education and shoring up the pipeline of talented academic surgeons, she serves as the Associate Clerkship Director in this capacity.

Cary B. Aarons is a Professor of Surgery at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, where he is also currently the Program Director for the General Surgery Residency. He received his undergraduate degree from Harvard University and his medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, DC. He then completed his general surgery training at Boston University Medical Center followed by his colorectal surgery fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Dr. Aarons has held several roles in education leadership and has a record of research scholarship in surgical education.