Electronic Summer 2025 | Issue 63

Reflections from Rising RFM Committee Chair

By Aasna Gaur, DO

As I step into the role of Resident-Fellow Member (RFM) Chair for the Illinois Psychiatric Society, I’m honored and excited to help create opportunities that enrich and inspire our community of residents and fellows as they progress to early-career psychiatrists. This is a unique time in our professional journeys—a period filled with questions, growth, and potential—and I believe strongly in the power of shared experiences and mentorship to guide us forward.

This role holds special meaning for me. When I was in medical school, getting involved with the Illinois Psychiatric Society was one of the most formative parts of my training. It gave me the chance to meet mentors, explore the many subspecialties within our field, and better understand the breadth of opportunities available in psychiatry. Being able to now help offer that same exposure and support to others is both a privilege and a full-circle moment that I deeply value.

This upcoming year, I’m thrilled to continue fireside chats: a monthly speaker series featuring psychiatrists from diverse professional backgrounds. From academic psychiatry and private practice to public sector work, forensics, and beyond, each speaker will offer insight into the many paths one can take after residency. My goal is to spotlight these varied trajectories not only to inform but to empower each of us to shape our own futures with greater clarity and confidence. I look forward to learning together, asking questions, and continuing to build a vibrant, supportive network of emerging psychiatric leaders.