Program Director Spotlight: Nephrology

Name:

Sarah Gilligan, MD

Which GME Program do you oversee?

Nephrology

What motivated you to become a program director? 

I did my fellowship training at the University of Utah and had a wonderful experience so I was grateful for the opportunity to pay it forward and guide training for the next generation of nephrologists.

What inspired you to pursue a career in your subspecialty? 

I became interested in nephrology as a 4th year medical student on my renal rotation. I loved the process of solving the puzzle as to why a patient had kidney or electrolyte problems. I also found the nephrologists that I worked with to be both inspirational and aspirational – smart, patient, and kind to learners and patients – basically the kind of doctor that I wanted to be.

What do you find most rewarding about your work? 

There are two types of experiences that I find most rewarding in my job. First, patient encounters during which I have really connected with a patient and made them feel heard and engaged in their care. Second, one on one teaching sessions with fellows, residents, and/or students during which they clearly understand and feel confident about concepts that have previously eluded them.

How do you balance the demands of academia or medical practice with your interests and well-being? 

I think that work-life balance is an ongoing learning experience for all of us but I have found a few things that help me avoid burn out. First, exercise is my main form of stress relief so I make sure this happens in the morning before work and the demands of the day make it impossible. Second, I make sure to take my vacation time and really disconnect while I am away to prioritize spending time with my family. Finally, I try to finish my work at work, even if it takes longer, so I can disconnect when I go home and not have my mind in two places at once.