In this episode of The Host Response, infectious diseases physician Paul Bunce reflects on how clinical judgment, priorities, and perspective evolve over time in practice.

Drawing on advice he shared early in his career (and revisiting it a decade later) this episode contrasts three tips for new ID doctors then with three updated lessons now, highlighting what has changed and what has stayed the same.

Topics include:

• Early career reputation and professional identity

• Antibiotic overuse and unintended patient harm

• Clinical pacing, sustainability, and burnout prevention

• Collegial support, trusted second opinions, and work “buddies”

• Why some truths in infectious diseases never really change

This episode is not a checklist or a how-to guide. It’s a reflection on approaching competence, ongoing learning, and the realities of long-term practice in infectious diseases and internal medicine.

Relevant for infectious diseases physicians, fellows, residents, internists, hospitalists, and trainees thinking about early career development, clinical reasoning, and sustainable practice.