As I enter my final year of residency, it is natural to reflect on how I have arrived at this exciting time and how far I have yet to go. I find myself giving advice to the new interns and second years about what lies ahead for them and my confidence in their abilities to do great things. This is a time when decisions are made by myself and my colleagues regarding where to go when we finish.
I asked myself what the key things are I wish I knew when I started a mere two years ago and have compiled a “top five” list for those starting their residency. Hopefully this will also give others who may be reading a glimpse at some of the challenges we face as we set off on this journey to train as a physician.
5. We all manage our time differently, but we all need to manage our time.
When you enter into your more time- and energy-intensive rotations you will notice others get their work done at different paces than you do. Do not worry about this as long as you are not working too many hours. Instead, find people who seem to organize their thinking in a way similar to yours and ask them how they get their work done. Then, find people who think very differently than you do and do the same thing. You will find a pace and a flow that works for you.
4. When you are overwhelmed and having a tough day in the hospital, make time to go see your patients.
Most likely, patient care is the reason you went into family medicine. If not, keep the reason you chose this specialty in the forefront of your mind and use it to motivate you through a tough day. Managing all of your work in a new setting can be challenging and being called to a patient’s room can be daunting when you feel like you are behind. Just remember, they are the reason we are here and keeping connected with them throughout your day will help keep that in perspective.
3. Never be afraid to ask.
Residency is one of the last times you get to be the trainee. We are all nervous about looking foolish on the wards or in the clinic by asking a question we think may be obvious to others. Again, remember, this is your chance to learn and become the best provider of care you can be. It can be as simple as a lung exam, but if you feel you need improvement in an area, always ask for guidance. The worst that can happen is you learn something. And also do not hesitate to ask for help — phone a friend or a senior resident when you just need a pep talk.
2. Take opportunities to teach as well as learn.
You are the resident now and will have students and other learners with you on a regular basis. Being in tune to how they learn will help you learn as well. Remember they are a critical part of your team and you can learn from one another.
1. You will hear this time after time, but take time for yourself.
You will be VERY busy this year and after. That means having healthy ways to decompress is critical. Exploring the beauty of North Carolina is one of them — the Eno River and Umstead Park both provide great trails and waterside views to help relax. Regardless of how you do it, checking in with yourself to make sure you are sustained is important. It is easy to put your patients’, co-residents’ and attendings’ needs ahead of your own. Take the time to take a deep breath and assess where you are. You will be better cared for and give better care because of it.
You have accomplished a tremendous amount already. As you transition from year to year, keep in mind the reasons you chose to become a physician and chose family medicine. It will serve you well and help you move forward throughout your time as a resident and after.
Vanessa Solomon, DO, is a third-year resident with Duke Family Medicine. Email vanessa.solomon@duke.edu with questions.