Residents & Fellows Section

The FOCUS Section for Residents & Fellows was developed in 2007 in response to multiple requests for similar type  programming tailored for trainees. The FOCUS Section is honored to have dedicated support toward its programming from the "Anastasia Lyalenko Memorial Fund" and the "Grisso Endowment for the Michelle Battistini FOCUS Fund."

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The section was started in response to needs identified by trainees at Penn across multiple departments regarding guidance about job-hunting, negotiating and work-life integration. This initiative provides trainees with multiple annual networking opportunities via presentations and workshops focused on critical skills and resources for career advancement in academic medicine.

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Networking sessions have included: training opportunities at Penn Medicine; negotiation strategies; exploring options of career paths post-training; finding, generating and sustaining effective mentoring; and funding mechanisms and grant applications. Sessions are open to residents and fellows in our effort to provide programs that benefit everyone, improving mentoring for all residents and fellows.

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Each year, the leadership transitions to new trainees serving as Section Chair (or as Section Co-Chairs) offering opportunities for trainees to assume a leadership role as they identify and assess the needs of their peer-trainees; network in collaboration with the FOCUS Directors to develop sessions presented by Penn Medicine faculty, administration and often outside speakers; and, facilitate the various sessions that they host with the support of the FOCUS team leadership.