Artemis II and Being the Best Resident

Chuck and Chris spent a few minutes discussing Artemis II.  So many interesting discussion points from this mission around the moon- we focus on selection criteria for competitive jobs (like astronauts and orthopedic residents)!  In addition, we hit the highlights from Rick Wright's visit as a Leadership lecturer.  Rick spoke on 'How to be the best resident and attending' and we all learned a great deal.  Chris and Chuck break this down.

The Artemis II Effect: When Everyone Is Brilliant, Character Becomes The Mission. Penny Abeywardena, Forbes Magazine April 9th.

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Transcript

Summary

Leadership Topics and Training Pearls

Charles and Christopher caught up on personal matters, discussing the weather and work dinners before transitioning to their meeting agenda. They agreed to cover leadership topics related to astronauts and training pearls from a recent guest lecture at WashU, Rick Wright from Vanderbilt.

Artemis II Mission Discussion

Charles and Christopher discussed the recent Artemis II lunar mission and its impact on public attention. Christopher shared that he and others were distracted by the launch during a school meeting, finding it a welcome distraction from other current events. Charles mentioned an article by Penny Abeywardena, in Forbes magazine that highlighted the challenging selection process for astronauts, noting that while NASA receives thousands of applicants, only a small number are ultimately selected for missions. The discussion focused on how NASA chooses astronauts when all candidates meet high technical standards.

Astronaut Selection Process Discussion

Charles and Christopher discussed the selection process for astronauts and its parallels to medical residency and fellowship selection. They explored how the Astronaut Personal Characteristics Inventory evaluates interpersonal skills, emotional stability, and teamwork abilities, which are crucial qualities for handling challenging situations. Charles mentioned that while this specific inventory is not accessible to them, a similar assessment called the Big Five Inventory could be considered for residency selection.

Resident Selection and Performance Discussion

Charles and Christopher discussed a previous attempt at implementing personality testing for resident selection, which was led by Ken Yamaguchi but ultimately deemed too much/ too big a change in the process. 

Resident Training and Skill Development

Charles and Christopher discussed Rick Wright's talk on being the best resident and attending in orthopedics. They highlighted key points about technical skill development, preparation, and the importance of clinic time for education and patient interaction. The conversation also touched on strategies for improving resident training, including timing surgical steps and requiring detailed case planning. They emphasized the value of "hustling" in practice and the importance of being available for patients, particularly on challenging days like Friday afternoons.