July 1st is finally here - the day when new intern physicians start their residency program and current residents advance to the next year of training, making them "seniors" or for those who graduated, "fellows" (and in some cases attendings). It's a huge day for all involved, whether it's exchanging a short white coat for a long one, being granted the chance to moonlight, or teaching the incoming doctors everything you wish you had known. It's also the start of an overwhelming few days, weeks, even months but this is normal and a great way to learn how to get comfortable in feeling uncomfortable.
The start of the first year of my Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation residency was so overwhelming with information being thrown at me in a million different packets, pdfs, e-mails, lectures, and more. There was no consolidated resource where I could find the information I needed to help me on call or rotation, whether it was understanding how to properly document, knowing who to contact, or figuring out the schedule. I vowed to create a handbook for future residents so no one ever had to feel the way I did. My classmates and I worked together, breaking down each rotation into a mini-orientation guide, explaining the on-call system, providing contact information, and even using approved Epic electronic medical records screenshots to show how to place orders. The next class was prepared with their own customized pocket-size handbook the way I wish I had been - complete with our Therapy Dog gracing the cover.
Because that is what we should always be doing as doctors and teachers: finding ways to improve one another by passing on what we learned. So here are a few things I wish I had known:
SPEAK UP: Not sure about something? ASK. Communication is key to ensuring everyone is on the same page, has all the information, and no one is missing anything.
TEAM UP: You are in this together with your co-residents. If you see someone struggling, step in to help them with the understanding that they would do the same for you. One of my favorite tactics was to tag team with my co-resident if they were available. We would see a patient together. One of us would document and start putting orders in while the other would take the history and do the physical exam. While we were capable of doing it on our own, we found it was a great opportunity to learn, see more patients, and save time.
FUEL UP: No, I'm not just talking about coffee. I'm talking about WATER. You are going to be so focused on treating your patients, you'll forget to drink water so it is essential that you remind yourself to stay hydrated. I carried around a one-gallon water bottle, which may have looked a little silly but I was never thirsty, especially on my inpatient rotations.
FILL UP: Fill those white coat pockets with snacks because you never know when you’re going to need an energy boost. My go-to was always a protein bar but careful they don't get squished!
WISE UP: That's right, it's time you combined your critical thinking, time management, and medical knowledge into quick decision-making action so you can be efficient and effective when it comes to treating your patients. Be sure to ask your seniors or attendings for tips and tricks especially regarding documentation and putting in orders. Simple keyboard hacks and smart phrases will save you so much time! Ask your seniors or attendings for tips and tricks especially when it comes to documentation and putting in orders. Simple keyboard hacks and smart phrases will save you so much time!
Finally, recognize that these are the years for training, teaching, and learning. At the end of the day, the notes will get done and the orders will be placed but you have to ask yourself - What did you learn? What did you gain? What can you do better next time and how will this help your patients? Make sure you have an answer to each of these so you know you’re getting the most out of your training!
Any tips you'd like to share? Comment below!
Post a Comment