With her first post-training job already in hand, Jamie Strike, MD, is using her fellowship at the Medical College of Wisconsin and Froedtert Hospital as intensive on-the-job training for her long-term goals.
Her post-training career will begin next year with a faculty position in Wisconsin. Dr. Strike, whose fellowship is in cardiothoracic imaging, is a native Midwesterner. Starting at the Medical College of Wisconsin is a chance to work for a prestigious institution with people she knows and respects.
“I decided to stay here because of my colleagues,” she said. “I enjoy coming to work every day and working with them. I love the community that we have here.”
Dr. Strike has proven herself more than worthy of a full-time position. She was a co-chief resident and is now a co-fellow, earning the admiration of her peers and faculty along the way.
Medical College of Wisconsin MSK Associate Fellowship Director Erica Lanser, MD, met Dr. Strike at Creighton University’s School of Medicine in Phoenix, when Dr. Lanser was an intern and Dr. Strike was a student. Dr. Lanser has been impressed by her younger colleague’s dedication during residency and fellowship.
“Dr. Strike is a hard worker clinically,” Dr. Lanser said. “She comes early and stays late. She’s always focused on what is in the best interest of the patients and is sure to give colleagues appropriate sign-out regarding pending exams or procedures and follows up on patient outcomes.”
One of the benefits Dr. Strike has found in her fellowship is the opportunity to collaborate with cardiologists. They read cardiac MRIs separately and then discuss their findings together. They also participate in cardiac readouts every Friday, going over unique cases in a group setting. It’s educational for physicians and helpful for patients.
“Cardiologists provide us with a unique perspective,” Dr. Strike said. “Radiologists can get a little sheltered in our reading rooms. We usually interact with providers only when they call to discuss a study. Here, we work hand in hand with them.”
The fellowship also gives Dr. Strike the chance to serve as an educator, which she plans to pursue as a career.
“I see myself staying in academics,” she said. “I enjoy working with medical students, residents, and fellows. I enjoy having colleagues to chat with in person throughout the day, to nerd out with on interesting cases, and to ask questions. It builds a sense of camaraderie and makes work more enjoyable.”
Just a few months into her fellowship, Dr. Strike has already made an impact as an instructor. Dr. Lanser sees great potential for her colleague to make significant contributions to the college’s academic side.
“Dr. Strike is an excellent teacher to our med students and residents,” Dr. Lanser said. “I look forward to seeing the contributions she will make to resident and fellow education once she is faculty.”
A change in the curriculum during her third year of residency led Dr. Strike to choose her specialty. The college introduced an elective block that allowed her to look at various areas of diagnostic radiology.
“When I did chest that month, they introduced me to cardiac imaging and I knew that was it,” she said. “I was sold, and I didn’t look back from there.”
Taking on a fellowship gives her more responsibilities and a direct say in treatments. As a resident, she had attendings to make the decisions. Now, she often signs off on final reports.
“You take ownership,” Dr. Strike said. “These are your studies. This is your field to learn. Everything that goes on around me, between messaging, providers calling, nurses and technologists calling, it’s on me to make decisions and have the say on yes or no.”
Her initial signoff came in the first quarter of her fellowship. It was a nerve-racking moment when she added her signature to the report.
“It was scary,” she said. “I picked a normal chest x-ray from the list. I did my same search pattern, and it took me five times longer than usual because I wanted to make sure I wasn’t missing anything. I reread my report three times to make sure I didn’t have grammatical errors.”
Dr. Strike describes a fellowship as a time to learn and hone skills. She encourages fellows to read difficult cases and recognize that diagnostic radiology is a lifelong learning experience.
“It’s a big growing opportunity, educationally, clinically, and personally,” she said. “Take all the opportunities that you can. You never know where it’s going to lead you.”