Ms Arielle Pierre, ST5 Trainee in the Colorectal Department at University Hospital Waterford.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and why did you choose surgery as a career?
My name is Arielle Pierre. I was born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago. In 2014, I moved to Ireland to pursue a medical degree at the Royal College of Surgeons. It was in 2019, I graduated from the College of Surgeons with an Honours degree and completed my internship at the Saolta Hospital Network. My love for surgery and interest in a surgical career began as early as in medical school. In third year medical school, I completed a research elective with a General Surgeon at Howard University. It was a rewarding experience conducting research and attending clinical activities. My decision to pursue General Surgery was confirmed during internship following my surgical rotations in general and vascular surgery.
Why did you choose General Surgery?
I enjoy the vast number of benign and oncological surgical procedures performed by General Surgeons. It is rewarding for both the patient and surgeon when oncological resections are successful. It is an honour and privilege to accompany patients during their cancer journies from the time of diagnosis to their post operative visits in the outpatient clinic.
Training & Experience
What has been the most challenging aspect of your surgical training?
There is a steep learning curve for the acquisition of the various general surgery skills. It requires focus, dedication and resilience. As an ST5 trainee, I have learnt it is important each year to set realistic goals and create a plan on the necessary steps you will take to achieve them.
Can you describe a typical day as an ST5 trainee?
As an ST5 trainee, a typical day starts with a ward round of the inpatients. Thereafter depending on the schedule you can be in the outpatient clinic, endoscopy, theatre or the multi disciplinary meeting. If rostered on emergency call, it involves being in the emergency department supporting juniors on call or being present in the emergency theatre.
What has been the most rewarding time over the past 5 years?
Over the past five years, I have seen progression in my surgical training. During my core surgical training, I successfully completed my membership examinations and graduated with a Masters in Surgery from NUIG. In the past two years of the higher specialist training, I have seen exponential improvement in my surgical skills as well as taken up leadership roles as the Surgical Lead NCHD as well as the lead recruiter in multicentre trials.
Skills & Growth
What are the key skills that you think every surgical trainee needs to develop?
Leadership and time management are crucial skills every surgical trainee should develop. Surgical care is delivered by teams and it is important to foster healthy relationships between seniors and juniors in order to deliver the best patient care. Time management is important. The many demands of the job require trainees to be organised and prioritise their tasks based on urgency.
How has your confidence as a surgeon evolved since you started training?
During my last year as a surgical trainee, I have seen an exponential increase in my surgical skills. The increased operative exposure has allowed me to be more confident in the operating theatre as well as in the endoscopy unit. I had the privilege in the past two years to have two trainers who were invested in my development. As I rotate through different subspecialties, I have received both technical and non- technical skills which are all important in my development and progression as a trainee.
Can you share a case or experience that had a significant impact on you?
Personally, in the past two years of my higher specialist training from breast surgery to upper gastrointestinal surgery, I have found being involved in the cancer journey for patients a truly rewarding experience. It is a life changing experience for patients. I believe it is an honour to serve them during such difficult times. Every patient diagnosed with cancer whom I have cared for has not only provided me an opportunity to learn oncological surgery but to appreciate how fleeting life is.
Mentorship & Support
Have you had a mentor who influenced your career? How did they shape your journey?
I am grateful to have mentors from medical school and my surgical training. In both my core and high specialist training rotations, I have been mentored by my consultant trainers. Each trainer has uniquely provided me with both technical and non technical skills. I approach every training year and rotation with an open mind, eager to learn and acquire new skills.
What advice would you give to medical students considering surgical training?
Surgical training is gruelling but extremely rewarding. If you are passionate about a career in surgery, it is important to meet with surgical trainees and consultant surgeons to gain insight on pursuing a career in surgery. It is never too early to start developing your CV and preparing yourself to be a good candidate for surgical training. Summer electives and research programmes are great opportunities in medical school to improve your CV and get surgical exposure.
How do you support your fellow trainees in difficult times?
It is important to be a good team player. No man is an island. In difficult times, I support fellow trainees by assisting them in some of their clinical activities so they don’t feel overwhelmed or over burdened.
Work-Life Balance & Well-being
What strategies do you use to maintain your well-being and mental health?
A positive attitude always leads to positive outcomes. Despite the challenges I may be facing on a day to day basis at work, I set realistic goals, manage my time as well as delegate and ask for help appropriately.
How do you balance your personal life with the demands of surgical training?
Personally, I believe time management and organising my weekly commitments in advance allow me to ensure I have time outside of work to spend with family and friends as well as enjoy hobbies.
What do you do to relax and unwind outside of work?
I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I like to travel with my family and experience new cultures. Going to the gym has been a great outlet to focus on well- being and mental health.
Future Plans
What changes or advancements in surgery excite you the most?
The role of Artificial Intelligence in surgery is an exciting advancement. I look forward to seeing how artificial intelligence will change the delivery of surgical care in the future.
If you could change one thing about surgical training, what would it be?
I think the implementation of a buddy system between junior and senior trainees would be of great benefit. This would allow senior trainees to provide support and mentor junior colleagues as they progress through the training programme. A designated consultant trainer assigned to a group of trainees that can provide both academic and clinical support as they progress through the training scheme would also be invaluable.
Final Thoughts
What’s one piece of advice you wish you had received before starting training?
Prior to starting surgical training, I wish I knew how quickly the years would pass. It feels like I just started my core surgical training and now I am in year 3 of my Higher Specialist Training. Therefore, my advice to others would be maximise each year, set realistic goals and create a plan to execute and achieve these yearly.
If you could give one message to first year trainees, what would it be?
Surgical Training is a marathon not a sprint. To become a skill surgeon means consistent learning and acquisition of skills over an extended period of time. It is a long term commitment which requires focus, resilience, sustained effort and discipline.
What’s next for you?
I am currently an ST5 Trainee in the Colorectal Department at University Hospital Waterford. I would like to successfully complete my Higher Surgical Specialist Training and Fellowship. I am interested in Surgical Education and would like to be involved in teaching and education.
