Career Speed Dating (518)

Abstract

1.Identify the pros, cons, and specifics of as many as four career interests.2.Discuss and ask direct questions of paricular personal interest in an informal, round-table setting.3.Discuss and have direct opportunity to network with mid-career professionals in their areas of interest and form mentoring relationships. Professionals entering the field of hospice and palliative medicine (HPM) are faced with a wide variety of career choices. They often seek mentoring and answers to questions about strategies for success as well as what their career path will entail in terms of work load, family life, compensation, and other personal concerns and interests. This will be a highly interactive, energetic, and thought-provoking session designed to allow participants to explore areas of career interest. The following areas of career focus will be represented: academic—researcher; academic—clinician educator; community palliative care; community hospice; starting a palliative care program; part-time careers; and choosing an HPM fellowship (for medical students residents and mid-career professionals seeking training). This 60-minute session will be divided into four 15-minute blocks. Each career focus area will have a table hosted by a professional mentor in that field and participants will be encouraged to spend the 15-minute session asking career-related questions in an informal, non-judgemental, non-intimidating setting. At the end of 15 minutes, the participant can chose to stay at a given table or rotate to further areas of interest. This is an excellent opportuntiy to network and establish mentoring relationshps, as well as help to identify future career interests and goals. Structure and Processes of Care