I still remember my first month of intern year — waking up in the middle of the night to check patient charts, labs, vitals and online resources. The transition from medical student to doctor frightened me, and I spent many nights reading through charts moment by moment to reassure myself that my patients were all tucked away and doing well through the night.
When I look back on “intern me,” I wish I could tell myself to go to sleep, among many other things that would have made me a much happier and more effective resident. I have compiled a brief list of my personal Top 10 pieces of advice for the new intern, in my hopes that it may help others in their transition from medical student to doctor.
- You don’t have to know everything. But know how and where to look things up. And do it often. Set up apps and quick links to your top resources on your phone.
- Communication is critical in everything we do. Speak clearly. Speak concisely. Don’t ramble or bury the lead.
- Ask for help. Don’t be afraid to call the hospital pharmacist, lab tech, or radiologist and ask questions.
- Wash your hands, wipe down surfaces, and keep your hands away from your face to prevent colds.
- Be honest. Admit when you made a mistake. Admit when you don’t know something.
- Step outside your comfort zone. Choose the patient you don’t know how to work up or procedure you’ve never done before.
- Get to know your EMR and find shortcuts for efficiency. The clicks add up.
- Forgive yourself for your mistakes. And learn from them.
- Buy blackout curtains for your bedroom to help you sleep better.
- Finally, recognize how lucky you are. To care for people at the most vulnerable moments of their lives is an incredible opportunity and it is a rare privilege that we get to do so. Cherish the tender moments. Celebrate the successes. And stand in awe of how far you have come. Good luck.
Anna Afonso is a third-year resident with the Duke Family Medicine Residency Program. Email anna.afonso@duke.edu with questions.
Editor’s note: Duke Family Medicine residents guest blog every month. Blogs represent the opinion of the author, not the Duke Family Medicine Residency Program, the Department of Community and Family Medicine or Duke University.