If you make it as far as a medical residency, then you are already well on your way to becoming a fully qualified medical professional, employed in the noble and vital role of saving lives and lessening suffering. It would be a terrible shame to turn back now as, by the time you get to this point, you will hopefully already have researched the role, what it requires, trained long and hard, and studied for years.
However, each new stage in the lengthy process towards becoming a medical professional is another challenge, and it’s also a learning curve. You can never assume that because you have come so far that the next stage will be any easier. Becoming a medical professional takes commitment.
New Responsibilities
The biggest leap you will take during your medical residency is that for the first time on your long journey, you will be in some way be responsible for the welfare of patients or, to put it more bluntly, people’s lives. This is a massive leap in responsibility and one that takes a great deal of preparation.
You many have assiduously researched the role, had a look at the best job postings on the online healthcare jobs boards, and got it in your head just what is required for you. But this is not the same thing as finally working at a healthcare institution.
And yet the medical residency is absolutely essential. After you finish med school, you will need to learn the practicalities, the quotidian responsibilities of being a healthcare professional. This is in fact the only way you can select the right role when the time comes to browse the jobs available.
Health Jobs Nationwide, an online healthcare jobs board, say that job postings, and even the interview, can only take you so far in learning about what a role will actually involve. Therefore, it is your responsibility during the medical residency not only to perform well, but to also learn about what being a healthcare professional means. Only then do you have a chance of ending up in the right job.
Tips for Surviving the Residency
Nonetheless, before you can do that, you need to learn how to survive in the residency. It is a vital part of education; it’s also a challenge with real responsibilities pertaining to real patients.
Be Prepared to Present on Cases
This involves a good deal of research on each individual case you are to present on. It is a matter of learning about the patient’s nursing notes and labs, and it is absolutely essential before you can provide adequate care. It will also hurt your reputation to appear unprepared.
Develop a Thick Skin
Or learn to take nothing personally. This will be your first time interacting regularly with patients, and they can be angry, irritable and, in some cases, confused and frightened. They can be very mean and rude sometimes. Just remember that they are sick.
Learn to Function on Less Sleep
Unfortunately, in the current U.S. healthcare scene, this is just a reality for professionals, and you’ll need to learn how to do it. However, be sure that you also learn how to recognize burnout and avoid endangering your own health.
Learn From Mistakes
To put this differently, accept that mistakes will happen, and they are all part of learning. The thick skin will come in handy when you are reprimanded too. There is a lot expected of you – that’s just the way it is.
By covering these bases first and mentally preparing for your residency, you can make sure that it is a positive experience.
