I am honored that Dr. Jaffe asked me to write this blog post on my career path toward becoming a residency director. We talk in our program about the importance of mentorship, and I often bring up the analogy of hiking. The only way to know what lies ahead is to ask the people coming back, or those who have gone ahead of you. The same is true for your career and it is a piece of my leadership style that I embrace and enjoy the most. Perhaps this blog post will provide some guidance by hearing my unique story.
Finding Your True North
I found a love for teaching and a gift for teaching in a hands-on surgical arena while I was in residency. This led to my greatest career goal of being a residency director. Personally, as we go through our educational process as physicians and surgeons we will have positive and negative experiences. I saw directors that I felt were using their leadership position for good and alternatively, some that were not invested in the actual education of their residents.
I have always had this idyllic view of having a program that gave its residents the most opportunities and created a culture that was focused on learning. A place where you did not have to fear being scolded for asking a question, and one that prepared residents for taking the next step in their career by “actually teaching” them how to do surgery, not just letting them watch. A place that allowed them autonomy but created a learning environment that worked as a team, so everyone grew together. I believe that is what the Katherine Shaw Bethea (KSB) Podiatry residency program (KSB Podiatric Residency link) is today. But how did we get here?
I think many of us graduate residency thinking that we will get a job and stay in that job our whole career, at least I did. My first position was in South Bend, IN where I was able to teach the St. Joseph Medical Center podiatry residents my first year out. I loved that role and the program (which is still a great program under excellent leadership for students thinking about programs), but the fit was not ideal for my wife and me. I was asked to come to KSB to help start a residency program and the location was ideal for us. The program took its first class in 2013, but in 2015, my wife and I chose to relocate to southern Indiana. I was not happy with the leadership or the direction of the program at the time. In addition, my wife had gotten into a PhD program, a professional dream of hers.
In Indiana, I found myself working for a podiatry group, starting a new practice in a new location for them. This was a unique experience, but I really found myself missing teaching, not agreeing with the practice structure, and finding private practice to not be a fulfilling fit. I connected with the St. Vincent program out of Indianapolis (see Program website) and led a monthly board review for their residents and they would also scrub some of my bigger cases. I knew I had to make a move back to teaching and was entertaining several options at the end of my contract.
Becoming a Residency Director at KSB Hospital
It was at this time that KSB asked me to come back and lead the residency program as they were making significant changes with the department and program, looking for a new direction. I returned to KSB in 2018 and I have been living and working my dream job since! Often life is not a straight path, but on those winding roads where we learn about ourselves and grow the most.
Podiatry is a great career, one that you can make significant differences in people’s lives. My advice is to find good mentors, people who are trustworthy and represent integrity in their lives. Never take the responsibility of being a physician/surgeon lightly and you will make a positive change in this world. If teaching is your calling, that impact becomes exponential. “Remember, once you’ve reached your goal, turn around and help those people coming up behind you.“
Connect with Dr. Gumbiner and the KSB Podiatric Residency!
Dr. Gumbiner’s LinkedIn Profile
Instagram – @ksb_footandankle
Brandon Gumbiner DPM, FACFAS
Program Director at the Katherine Shaw Bethea Podiatric Residency
Dixon, Illinois
That’s a great guest post. Your inspiring journey as KSB Residency Director highlights the power of mentorship and commitment in medicine. Your dedication to nurturing a positive educational environment sets a remarkable example for the medical community.
Thank you for your comment! Dr. Gumbiner is such a great role model, educator, and overall person. The students and residents benefit greatly from all his dedication and passion toward education. He creates such a safe and fun learning environment.