Get to know Stefan Hutson, MD, nephrology fellow.
As an LVHN fellow, you embark on a transformative journey that fosters personal growth and enhances patient care, allowing you to make a meaningful impact in the community.
What are your career goals?
After completing nephrology fellowship, I am still debating whether I will pursue a year of critical care fellowship or a year of transplant nephrology. What I am sure about is that I enjoy nephrology, and, whichever pathway I choose, I hope to be challenged intellectually while being able to provide the best care I can to my patients.
What makes your Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) training program different from others across the country?
Training at LVHN provides a good mix of all different parts of nephrology. The Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest campus is large and the range of pathologies and interventions that I have been exposed to has created a plethora of new avenues for learning and development. At the same time there is still a clear feeling of camaraderie in the nephrology department that nurtures curiosity and professional development. These two experiences make training at LVHN a rewarding experience.
What do you like most about living in the Lehigh Valley?
The mountainous views and opportunities for outdoor activities are wonderful in and around the Lehigh Valley. I enjoy being able to unplug from the digital world to explore a little park or trail.
What is one memory you have from your training so far that will stick with you for your career?
I have quite a few good memories since becoming a part of the training program at LVHN nephrology, but my most fond ones must be the feeling that I get when I was able to make medical decisions that work out favorably for a patient. An important part of training is being able to be semi-independent while under the watchful supervision of your experienced faculty. Training at LVHN gives you the ability to do that at your own pace.
What is one piece of advice you would share with someone as they select a training program?
My philosophy for choosing where I would go for fellowship was to choose a program where I felt like I fit in with the team, would be supported in my career goals and there was a good balance between academia and a community feel for medicine where there was still a strong connection with the patients served. I found that with LVHN. My advice is to have an idea of what your ideal learning environment would be and pursue a place that fits that picture best.
What does it mean to be a fellow at LVHN?
As an LVHN fellow, you embark on a transformative journey that fosters personal growth and enhances patient care, allowing you to make a meaningful impact in the community. Additionally, you build lasting relationships with mentors and peers in a supportive environment that empowers you to become a leader in your field.