Your Unapologetic Career Podcast
Your Unapologetic Career Podcast
{BONUS} Coaching Client Spotlight: Sharon Onguti, MD, MPH
You can text us here with any comments, questions, or thoughts!
In our latest episode, Kemi sit down with Dr. Sharon Onguti, an infectious diseases specialist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where she has served since 2022. Board-certified in Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, she completed her fellowship at UT Health San Antonio and a sub-fellowship in Antimicrobial Stewardship at Stanford University.
Dr. Onguti holds an MPH in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and is a board member of the Society of Bedside Medicine, she is dedicated to medical education and serves as Associate Program Director of the Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program. She is also is an alumnus of our Get That Grant® coaching program!
Join the conversation as Dr. Onguti shares her remarkable journey in medicine, highlighting her innovative use of AI in healthcare.
Highlights:
- Discover how she navigates multiple roles and responsibilities while finding clarity and focus through coaching.
- The importance of aligning your career with personal values and interests.
- Why regular reflection and inventory of your activities help ensure alignment with long-term goals.
- Insights on cultivating a high-functioning support network and redefining mentorship to propel your career forward.
Loved this convo? Please go find Dr. Onguti on LinkedIn and Twitter/X show her some love!
If you'd like to learn more foundational career navigation concepts for women of color in academic medicine and public health, sign up for our KD Coaching Foundations Series: www.kemidoll.com/foundations.
And if you’re also a high-achieving WOC facing these challenges and seeking to navigate your path more effectively, Get That Grant is here to support you! Join the waitlist for our April 2025 Get That Grant cohort! Enrollment for the April cohort is exclusive to our waitlist, so sign up now to take the first step toward turning your aspirations into reality. Applications will be sent directly to the waitlist on Monday, February 17.
Sign up for the waitlist now at www.kemidoll.com/gtgwaitlist
REMINDER: Your Unapologetic Career Podcast now releases episode every other week! Can't wait that long? Be sure you are signed up for our newsletter (above) where there are NEW issues every month!
Y'all, first of all, go back and listen to all that again, before you listen to anything I say, stop right now and go rewind and listen to that answer from Sharon, because you have everything in that answer right there. First of all, number one, having the purpose mantra written, going through the process that we take people through really, you know, we kind of work it, you know, we want to make sure that it makes sense, et cetera. It really resonates with you. That allowed you to actually shift into a totally different kind of way that you're looking for opportunities to come to you. So All of a sudden you have this new lens so that you're like, okay, now I know what I really want. So I'm even searching different. I'm looking differently now that I realize what I want. And then because that's now formed within you, you're like, I don't even know how to describe it. It's just like, I saw this opportunity and I was like, this one is it. Like, this is clearly mirroring all these things I put together. And then when you write it, it just flows. Hello. Hello, you are listening to your unapologetic career. Being a woman of color faculty in academic medicine who wants to make a real difference with your career can be tough. Listen, these systems are not built for us, but that doesn't mean we can't make them work for us. In each episode, I'll be taking a deep dive into one core growth strategy so you can gain confidence and effectiveness in pursuing the dream career you worked so hard to achieve. I'll see you next time. Welcome back to the show. I'm so excited that you pressed play on this episode because we are speaking to another Get That Grant recent graduate. No matter how many of these interviews I do, I have such a good time with them because everybody has a unique flavor to their journey. And I can't express to you how odd but beautiful it is to see people experiencing the curriculum and like the whole journey of Get That Grant still fresh, new, like four or five years after I created it and it's like still going so I just have to tell y'all who are listening I do this just as like more for me I think that I do them for y'all but I'm glad that everybody likes the spotlight episodes too so without further ado I just want to welcome to the show Dr. Sharon Ongunti who's here with us today and Sharon why don't you tell the folks your specialty where you work and what good work you're doing in the world
SPEAKER_00:awesome yeah so my name again is Sharon Unguti and I am currently an adult infectious diseases specialist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. I am also an assistant professor of medicine at the same institution and also had the amazing opportunity to be asked to serve as the associate program director for a fellowship training program and because of my passion for antimicrobial stewardship I also got to have a medical director role in at one of our regional hospital as a medical director for stewardship at the built regional hospital
SPEAKER_03:okay so y'all see how basically Sharon has 10 jobs already what she's saying is hi my name is Sharon I just got here I lead this I run this I do that I mean it's just I think people like you are gravitate towards get that grant I just want to say that because you have so much you have so much potential right you have a lot of skills and it's it's already being recognized in these positions you know you said I think you said because of my interest or maybe I in antimicrobial stuff. They made me this. And I thought, no, it's because of your work ethic, your leadership, your character. Like a lot of people have the knowledge, but there's only certain people that are chosen to say, okay, we trust you to lead this. And so I just want to give us so much props, you know, because I think sometimes we get so used to all the things we're doing as they're just kind of like, oh, this is like just something else I do here and there. But, you know, there are somebody else's entire career. And meanwhile, it's just one of the things on your list. Sharon, obviously you are multi-potential, right? You're coming in and how many years have you been on faculty now? Actually, I'm coming
SPEAKER_00:up to three years, March of this year.
SPEAKER_03:Okay, so we're approaching the three-year anniversary. So within three years, you already have all of those roles that you just mentioned, some of which are like mid-career roles, honestly, and you're already in that. So, I mean, I know the answer to this question because I remember reading your application, but I want you to share with folks what was going on for you in your career when you were considering coaching and like, specifically what wasn't working for you that was like kind of causing the friction that made you say, I'm going to try something different. I want to get some help.
SPEAKER_00:Yes. So one of the things for me when I launched into this institution, because I did my training at a different institution, I was so excited to figure out what are some of the ways I could actually increase my ability, first of all, to learn the culture and then to grow in the things that I'm really passionate about. And so I found myself in a situation where I was accepting so many different roles and and opportunities that I was spread so thin and actually quite literally felt quite scattered. And I knew that something had to be different. And I would say that it was, I guess, a good fortune that around the same time, I was part of the women in medicine program at our institution. And I remember one of the monthly activities was listening to one of your podcasts. Oh my gosh. Shout out to the Vanderbilt women. and in medicine program. Yes. And that was in 2022. I forget what month it was, but that was the year that I joined. And I think that was one of the most amazing things that happened because when I listened to that podcast, because we had to listen and then discuss it, there was so much that was said that really, I felt so seen and heard. And I was like, you know what? I really need to go through this. So I even didn't know that this kind of coaching existed, but because I listened to the talk and then, you know, there's different instances where you talk about how people like me can actually take advantage of the resources that you have. I said, you know what? I think I really need to give this a chance. And so I was really glad to, first of all, know that it's something that I was not sure that I needed, that I got to know that I needed. And then once I started listening to the podcast, I recognized, wow, this is something that is really transforming how I make decisions. And I would love to be able to just sit in it intentionally and hopefully make you know, better decisions moving forward.
SPEAKER_03:I love that, Sharon, because I think one of the things that I heard you say that really compelled me just then was, so you trained somewhere else and you came into this position eager, you know, excited. And what you said is ready to really learn the culture, to understand what this place is. So a lot of your opportunities were said with a yes, not begrudgingly, you know, not because somebody's making you, it's just, you're like, no, let me take this on. Let me do this because it's a great way to learn, which I just have to say is such a high achievement. Thank you so much. have any there's like no filter on it or there's like what's on the other side of that after all these responsibilities are now here and you're doing all these things and you're spread so thin it's like how do you re-find a focus point
SPEAKER_02:I
SPEAKER_03:think is what I'm hearing you say and it's like and also like I'm so scattered I don't even have time to like be with myself like literally I'm here and here and here and here which I've also experienced and I know what that's like it's like wild because each person you talk to they have the experience that like they're the only person in front of you, right? Like that project that you're talking to them about, that's all they do. And meanwhile, you're like, this is number three of eight on my list today. Do you relate to that
SPEAKER_00:feeling? Absolutely. That's so accurately described. And that was sort of a war that I was having within me. I still have it, but then I'm sort of know how to better manage it because I really want to give myself and give my all. But then I realized we have 24 hours a day.
SPEAKER_01:It's not possible to try and do 72 hours worth of work in 24 hours.
UNKNOWN:And so
SPEAKER_02:Really redefining that expectation and then being OK with letting go of some things.
SPEAKER_03:And yeah, so that was just a very freeing experience that I went through. OK, so then you're saying, OK, I'm going to give this a try. You go to the journal club. I've heard this before, so I think it's so cool that you all do this. I never would have thought of a kind of a podcast as journal club. But anyway, it's such a great idea. So if you haven't done this at your institution and you're listening, you can totally choose one of the podcast episodes and do a journal club and like stir stuff up. up and get conversations going anyway absolutely you came in to get that grant and I would love to hear for you a moment where something really shifted for you in a big way or just an experience that stood out to you in doing the coaching program
SPEAKER_00:yeah I would say there was multiple different instances but I think the one I really want to highlight because this was a very grounding exercise was coming up with my purpose mantra
SPEAKER_03:oh my god everybody says this it's so funny
SPEAKER_00:yes because it basically was what's important to me and how do I put it down into words because it has to speak to who I am right yes so I really needed to see okay I have a passion for education and I want to really find a way to intersect my different interests and see if there's a way I can have harmony within it and if it's okay I can share what my purpose mantra is
SPEAKER_03:absolutely we want to hear it
SPEAKER_00:all right so I am here to inspire our and empower the next generation of healthcare professionals in advancing the fight against antimicrobial resistance and the associated health disparities through innovative antimicrobial stewardship interventions while harnessing the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in healthcare delivery.
SPEAKER_03:Oh my God. Okay. So first of all, first of all, I'm clapping y'all. If you can't hear it, I'm clapping. Okay. Calm down, Kemi. Bring it back. Calm down. Sharon. That is fire. That is absolute fire. It is so clear and it's so specific. And I can tell it's you because nobody else is putting all that together. Like as you're going, I'm like, this is so unique to like the lens of which you see yourself. So first of all, great job. Thank you. And I can tell as you're reading it, like I'm looking at your face, they can't see your face, but I can see your face. Like your shoulders went back a little bit, you know, like you stood up a little bit more because you're like, no, this, is me here I am so I just love that this comes up so much because I think there are so many bells and whistles in the program I really think of it as over delivery like it's almost too much to be honest right it's just like it is like so much but I love the fact that people over and over say one of the most or the most powerful thing is something I pulled from myself to use as my compass and I just think that that's like it's just priceless so can you talk a little bit about the difference between having that now versus before why are your days different or like why is your experience different now that you have that clearly stated for yourself
SPEAKER_00:wow one alignment it really helps me align my day and my activity so we also did like the activities you know sort of listing out our activities and how they align with our goals and so one of the things that at least it's done for me is try to see okay how can I restructure of my day and also what kind of mentors am I looking for as relates this specific desire of mine or at least my purpose and I think what's been so empowering through this is you know I remember one of the things that was said during some of our coaching calls was and even from the sessions of the course is when you have clarity on your purpose mantra and you put this on your grant and it speaks to where it is you want to go then it makes the writing of the grant and sort of the process thereafter very i don't want to say seamless but it's just like there's such an alignment it flows and i want to actually share and i'm still waiting for the outcome of this but i was blown away because initially before starting this program i didn't really know much about medical education grants and whether or not that's a thing because typically you know the physician scientist route you have to write for the k and all but now with this I was able to sort of start looking are there actually niches around this where I can apply for a grant on this and surprise surprise there was and look at that and it spoke exactly it's almost like lifting off what I have written in my purpose mantra and what that specific grant opportunity was asking for for an educator and empowering me as an educator and I'm going to be really hopeful that at least something that comes out of it. And if anything, I will say the process of getting everything together opened so many doors within the institution that I did not know were possible. And now I even started getting advances, say, from the clerkship directors trying to see how can I start piloting even before it comes to be. And they're saying, you know, even if it doesn't come through, we're still interested in pursuing this to the next level. So I think it's just been a gift that's kept on giving. And so one other thing I wanted to add is, I mean, it also opened my eyes to our department of bioinformatics, because as a physician, sometimes we may get caught up in our expertise as a clinician, but then really we must embrace what's the current technology and how can we leverage it to help us to be better clinicians, better educators, better providers. We cannot afford to bury our heads in the sand. And so to my surprise, I learned that we have a very robust department of bioinformatics And they are actually embracing the opportunity to co-work with clinicians to see what sorts of ideas can we come up with and what sorts of things can we develop. And so it's not that I have to sort of do the heavy lifting of bioinformatics on my own, but it's understanding what avenues exist. And so it's like, wow, it's literally forming the roadmap of where it is I want to take things, even though there may not be somebody who is exactly doing what I want to do. But I have the opportunity to create my own path. And it's really exciting and very energizing for me.
SPEAKER_03:And I'm really looking forward to all of it. allowed you to actually shift into a totally different kind of way that you're looking for opportunities to come to you. So all of a sudden you have this new lens so that you're like, okay, now I know what I really want. So I'm even searching different. I'm looking differently now that I realize what I want. And then because that's now formed within you, you're like, I don't even know how to describe it. It's just like, I saw this opportunity and I was like, this one is it? Like, this is clearly mirroring all these things I put together. And then when you write it it just flows because the thing about I think what's so powerful about the purpose monitor because every word is so intentional it's almost like every word for you is probably like you could write a five page essay on every word choice you're using so for you like maybe somebody hears and they're like it's a statement but for you you're like this is my whole career library and you know it all the way down like I can start asking you different questions I'm sure you can see it with here with me for like three hours just keep going just talking talking talking right so because you have that now organized and almost in a direction when you're writing a grant when you're working on an application that's what you're now accessing it's like everything you always have but it's organized it's ready it makes sense it's logical and it's flowing out in a way that is like you are now sharing this is actually my perspective this is how I see it by the way on the review side that's what stands out because people go oh they can feel the novelty but also the clarity right it's like it's so specific. So I will also cross my fingers for you. But then the thing that you said that I love even more is that the process itself was so valuable at this point that you want things to go well. We wanted her to get that money universe, give her that money. We want her. However, you recognize already so many doors, collaborations, connections, the way probably you approach people was different when you went for collaboration and stuff, because you were so clear to the point that now people are like, listen, whether you get that or no, we don't do this project, which is exactly what we want, right? We want a backup plan. We want support from our department. We want all those things. So that's why I really want people to really think about this because there can be so much noise in the world of like, you have to do this and grants and this and this font. And there just can be so much drama of it all. And within all of that stress and drama, nobody comes back to this point, which is like the clearer you are on what you are trying to do and the more accurately, it truly lines up with your own interests, the better thing you will write, and the more people will be excited to help you. It's beautiful. It's beautiful. Thank you.
SPEAKER_00:I love it so much. Thank you. And, you know, surprise, surprise, I yet found out, you know, today, there's yet another opportunity that is specific to medical education. So it's just, as you said, it's So
SPEAKER_03:it's not going to stop. Oh, you also said this thing you said so now I'm kind of there's nobody exactly doing what I want to do but I'm going to create my own unique path and I'm like, to me that's the ideal state because nobody's in your way. You're not trying to recreate something that's already been done you're not trying to just follow in somebody's footsteps but try to be new. What you're doing is I think what we all really want to do in academics, which is like, take what's been done draw with it and do something unique and do something different and it's just, it's a beautiful way to build your Because, I don't know, it's just such a clear expression of who you are, right? And like what you want to do. You're not copycatting. So I think that that's amazing. We've seen it just so many times, you know, like I try to give people an abundance mindset. Like it's so easy to get so negative and so we can't do this and they cut funding here and all of this stuff. And I'm like, all that stuff is reality, but it doesn't actually help you to stay in that space if you want to be successful. Sharon, it's fantastic. Yeah. So we already mentioned a lot of these things, but I'll still ask you, like, are there things we haven't touched on yet that you have now that you didn't have before you embarked on coaching?
SPEAKER_00:Yes. Okay. There's several different things, but one thing I really want to highlight is the community and the peer mentoring that we had during our sessions and even post coaching program. We still have that. I cannot overemphasize how precious that was. And then just to hear how everybody was having sort of a similar experience and then drawing from each other's experience. That was really, really amazing. And then two, I think one of the things that was also really empowering for me, and I still do it to date and I'm trying to see if I can do it more regularly, is the align your activities and responsibilities because some things tend to creep up. And so the inventory process, I think for me is very liberating because then I can clearly see, okay, how have I actually spent this week? And is it in alignment with where I'm trying to go? What can I do differently for next week? And that moment of reflection, because it's easy to go by week by week and just find that, oh, it's three months in and I have nothing to show for it. So I think just that inventory process is a very grounding experience for me. And there's many other tools that I was able to benefit from the grant writing process. The other thing I would like to mention is the mentoring and leadership process because sometimes we can have people who we have designated as mentors but then they have a conflict of interest and so that was one of the major things for me that was a an awakening moment is understanding that I need to sort of redefine what those mentors look like for me and so I think just really having a one-on-one with myself and really asking where it is I'm really trying to go and making sure that those mentors and leaders in my own journey are people who really are going to help propel me and they're really in my corner and so it's that self-leadership
SPEAKER_03:is what you're describing you're describing like which is something I think once you learn about it from the curriculum and then we start talking about it I think everybody has that moment where they realize oh yeah nobody would do this but me like there isn't any you realize pretty quickly like yeah of course this isn't clear for me because this isn't anybody else's job but mine I'm the only one who has all the information to be able to do this inventory I'm the only one who has the information to be able to figure out whether things are in alignment or not and why. And I love what you said about the micro adjustments because that's so what it's about. It's not about perfection. We're not robots and things are also constantly changing and we change. So we evolve where we're like, wow, I was really interested in this, but I'm not really interested in this anymore. So for a lot of reasons, there's like this kind of, what did they say? It's not a diet. It's a lifestyle. It's like, it's just a complete different approach where you're you're constantly thinking about refinement right and you're just like okay so let's assess let's inventory let's audit what happened last week like you said how did I spend my time where was I off that's one of my best my favorite questions is like where did it go wrong and why you know we have a very thorough audit process of like not just like oh I didn't get it done it's like no let's really get into the weeds so we can understand why it didn't happen because there's so much information there and I think sometimes that's when we realize like you know actually don't, not just, I don't like this project, but like it has gone in such a way that I didn't expect, or the job is different than what I expected. And I haven't dealt with that. So I'm just procrastinating instead. So you're really describing like so many tools of self-leadership that then make you also a better leader and a better mentor for other people. Cause it's like, you cleaned up your own house. You know, you're like, I'm clear on what I'm doing. I know why I'm here. I know how I'm spending my time. This meeting is going to truly be to serve you instead of be mad at you that you're taking my time. You know, it's like, Which is so important given your roles that you mentioned that you have. It's like those trainees, they need your clarity, but it's hard to give somebody clarity if you're resentful of your time and you're exhausted.
SPEAKER_00:Exactly, exactly. And so for me, that has actually been a very liberating process and also just finding joy in actually not look forward to sort of, I call it like a wellness hour, just to sit down and look through and see, okay, how can I actually change this around? And so I'm looking forward to this year, 2020 and seeing, okay, now that I have all this skill set around me, how can I actually leverage it to my advantage and hopefully also inspire others? I have also shared some of this information with some of our trainees who are minority women in medicine, and they're also really benefiting as well, a small way that I get to share. And so hopefully they'll also be joining the coaching program at some
SPEAKER_03:point. Yeah, I love that. It's like the legacy continues. You mentioned to the community and how you all are staying in contact, which is really common. I think a lot of the cohorts are like, okay, like where everybody's cell phone number, like let's get it together because yeah, we all need that squad. We all need that connection. And I think, you know, I think there's like a missing space in academic medicine. It's like, there are these people, they're your friends. And then there are these people that like colleagues, work colleagues and everybody's getting along, but it's like, there's this missing space of like real vulnerability professional connection and support you know where it's like we might not even be friends it's not even even about you know whether we go to a movie together but like we have decided we collectively are going to support each other's careers so we're going to be really honest and we're going to you know be open and we're going to share resources i think like that space is to me largely missing in most institutions period and so i think that's what faculty who come through get that get create and then hold on to going forward would you describe it that way Is that right?
SPEAKER_00:Yeah. The word that comes to my mind is a high functioning team because we have such an element in terms of where our paths are and where it is we want to go. And we are all like, you know, challenging each other, inspiring each other, encouraging each other. And it's like, okay, she did this. Let's cheer her on. And how can we rally around each other? So it's just a really high functioning team because it's like the ground rules have already been set. It's a safe. Yes. And we are vulnerable and we can be- We're not
SPEAKER_03:doing nonsense. Yeah, exactly. It's like, everybody's safe. There's no nonsense. Everybody works hard here. Everybody contributes. Let's do it. Yes. Yes.
SPEAKER_00:Yes. And so it's sort of a different level. And so I'm really enjoying the process. And actually what I did was I realized, okay, it's six months, but I think in order to actually make this more a part of who I am, I decided to just go ahead and enroll in the fully funded program as a way to just get this foundation even stronger. Yeah, yeah.
SPEAKER_03:closing your eyes it's like you can get all the do get that grant or do whatever and you're all set and you have like all your information and your eyes are open and you're walking and it's like if you lose the community it's like you're closing your eyes so you're walking but now girl you've veered off to the right to the left it's just so easy to get off track like you said because it's chaos out here like let's be honest it's chaos so i love high functioning team i love how you said that okay so what advice would you give newbies we got some newbies just come in the program, people who just signed up and they're like, okay, but what if my group's not like Sharon's? Like what, you know what I mean? Like, I don't know. What would you tell them? Or maybe even what would you tell your former self just to make sure it's like, you are going to have a great experience. This is what you need to do.
SPEAKER_00:Absolutely. So I would say, first of all, congratulations on making the best decision for your career. You are in the right place. And then one thing also really want to emphasize is just enjoy the process. And be present, be present. Because what happens is when we are not in for the sessions, there's sort of a disconnection that happens, but they're showing up. I know there's a lot of content to work through, but if you've not gone through all the content, still show up because your presence and your input is so valuable. And then you actually get to draw from each other's strengths and learn from each other. And you really don't want to miss out on that. And I would say, just pace yourself. There's a lot of content, but it's all such good content and it's consumed on a regular diet. I mean, it's sort of a steady diet. Yes. You cannot binge. No.
SPEAKER_03:Sharon's shaking her head, y'all. This is not because there's no fluff. Yes. So you can't fast forward. You can't two times. Like, thank you very much because there's a lot of fluff out there. I think people, when they come in, they realize like, oh, if it's 20 minutes, it's 20 minutes of solid gold. Get your pen out and start taking notes.
SPEAKER_00:And some of those activities actually need you to like, you're Do it, go, come back, think about it, reflect. So I would say that tracker that is provided, that's like a Bible. Keep it next to you so that it will help you pace yourself in a way that's reasonable. And then I would say, whenever you are engaging in the sessions, speaking up and getting to share actually is also a really powerful experience because at least for me, what it did, it helped me build my confidence around speaking and also understanding that your voice matters. And when you do that, it's sort of another layer of reinforcing what it is that you believe in. And I think just helps to bring out the unique contribution that you have, because what you say, nobody else can say it and what you bring, nobody else can bring. So embrace the uniqueness that you have and don't be afraid to speak up.
SPEAKER_03:Yes, Sharon. Okay. Okay. First of all, we're going to put you in the coach training pipeline because you are preaching. Right now. Also, I think I just want to, you said, you know, if you're listening and you just started, seriously, stay on the trackers. We actually developed those trackers to help people because they were like, okay, there's so much here. Like, how do I maintain through it? But I still maintain, it is really designed. You need to have at least two hours a week, but I mean that. I do mean two hours every single week, but you need to have that. But if you can stick to that, then you can make the steady progress. And there are bigger weeks and smaller weeks and things like that. So I love that your emphasis on that, like stay on track. It's not bingeable. Don't try to binge it. It does not work. And then number two is just like, speak up, hear your own voice. I think one of the things that I saw people learn all the time and get that grant when I was doing every single session is how they would speak something out loud and you could hear them hear it for the first time and be like, wait a minute, you know, whether it was a problem where they're like, wait, what did I just say? And I'd be like, exactly. Do you want to try it? You know? And they're like, no, why am I even thinking of it this way? Or because they've made a decision that moment, somebody's like, you know, I decided I'm not doing that anymore, or I'm going to go for this. And everybody's like, yes. And there's just this other level of confidence and clarity that they get coming out of that. And I just don't think we should have to do all that alone. It would be so much to do all that by yourself. Why? No, it's not. And it's not as fun.
SPEAKER_00:Yeah. And then what I found is that, and, you know, in terms of having that clarity, I found that, you know, cause we had questions that we would go through, you know, during the coaching call. What I came with that seemed to be like an issue that I wasn't able to really wrap my mind around, as I would share, I'd be like, oh, I actually have clarity on how I would like to approach this going back the following. And so that was really helpful, like to vocalize it and then understand, oh, actually I do have a way out because I'm sharing it. And then I'm also getting input from my colleagues.
SPEAKER_03:Yes. Yeah. Good input. Exactly. Like quality input. Yeah. Because people really come like, okay, let's figure this out. you know it's not just like woe is me it's like no no we're gonna find a way and so you've got a wonderful group of minds who actually all know your situation too because I think that's important it's like the whole informed believers thing it's like people who also know yeah I know how fellowships work or I know how this like people are already in the mix with you and so yeah I think you hear really unique you hear creative ideas and we always find a way out is the thing we always find a way like okay that's a great next step let's go and I think that really right there is the difference between momentum in your career or just spending months stuck on this thing or that thing or whatever. I mean, then months turned into years. So Sharon, this is so lovely. I clearly could talk to you all day. This was so fun. Is there anything final that you'd like to share before you wrap up?
SPEAKER_00:I think one of the things I was going to mention about the sessions that was so, I mean, was just such a humbling experience was to hear other people's wins because that told me that it can be done And I think I remember clearly one of the participants sharing how, you know, she was able to do her publications. She was able to submit the grants and she had all these other publications and it just sort of spoke to me in a different way. And then it kept happening, you know, like we kept hearing all these amazing things that people were doing. And so for me to also just emphasize, you know what, it actually can be done. And from them, what is it that they did to, you know, navigate that so that I can also do it so tangible it's
SPEAKER_03:feasible right it's not just well you hope fingers crossed it's like no these people are in community with you so what exactly did you do how did you think about this how did you format that yeah I agree it's wonderful thank you so much Sharon this was so lovely I'm so excited that you went to that journal club I'm excited that you kept following your instinct to move forward and you joined the community and thank you for sharing so openly with our community here and Tell folks where they can find you if they want to hear more about the work that you do or the work that you're going to be doing soon with medical education, AI and or antimicrobial stewardship.
SPEAKER_00:Yes, I can be found on, I guess, X right now. My name, Sharon Onguti on X, yet to have an Instagram account, but then I can also be reached out through email. That's my first name, Sharon. My last name, Onguti, O-N-G-U-T-I at V as in Vic, We love it.
SPEAKER_03:Thank you so much, Sharon. By the way, I was born in Nashville, Tennessee, girl. So I, yes, I have a close connection. Yes, I'm a hairy hospital. Yes. So I have a close connection. This was lovely. I hope you have a wonderful rest of your day. Y'all who are listening, take care. I love you and I mean it. Bye. Bye.
SPEAKER_00:Thank you.
SPEAKER_03:Thank you for tuning in to the You're Unapologetic If you're interested in gynecologic health, make sure to sign up for my newsletter, Dr. Dr. Kemi Dole and the womb at www.kemidole.com slash womb. It comes out once a month and it's packed with valuable insights. For those looking to enhance their careers, you can join our career foundation series for exclusive tips at www.kemidole.com slash foundations. This also comes out monthly and is a great way to keep your career on the right track. And finally, if you're a woman of color faculty in academic We can connect in all types of ways. You can follow me on social media at my full government name, Kemi Dole, K-E-M-I-D-O-L-L for daily inspiration and updates. Thank you again for being part of our community.