You’ve just made the transition from medical student to resident. Yes, you’ve been working in the wards for the past couple of years already, but things start to get real once you put on that long white coat. Below we’ve collected the best #TipsForNewDocs from #MedTwitter on how to conquer intern year — straight from those who have already been through it.
@MDaware @medicalaxioms @screamingmd @SingleScalpel I wanted to ask, bc I’m starting residency this summer, what was one thing you wished you did/didn’t do/knew/wished you knew before you started or during intern year. I’m so nervous and feel like I’m an imposter/dumb #medtwitter
— SharleenY (@SharleenY) April 11, 2018
Don’t feel like you need to know everything, but make sure you ask for help when you need it. Work hard, but be humble.
All good interns are afraid that they are not smart enough, but being smart has nothing to do with being a good intern. It takes discipline and diligence. Get there early. Gather ALL pt data before rounds. Present accurately on rounds. Carry out plan after rounds. REPEAT x 365
— Sanjay Gill MD (@SanjayGill1) April 11, 2018
1. Ask ?s
— Dr. Shikha Jain (@ShikhaJainMD) April 11, 2018
2. Be nice to the nurses and all support staff.
3. Make check boxes/lists.
4. Don't forget that patients r people, not just "the pneumonia patient in room 200." In your busy day, remember to connect with them and see them as people.
5. Find your support system.
The Intern Never List:
— Mark Reid, MD (@medicalaxioms) April 11, 2018
- never lie about a clinical detail or result
- never ask someone to do work that is your responsibility
- never walk in the hospital thinking “I’m going to take it easy today. I’ve earned the right to coast”
- never work impaired
Intern Tips: always check reflexes
— Michael E. Farrell, MD (@mefarrellii) April 17, 2018
- your reflex to neglect yourself when you get too busy
- the reflex to snap at a co-worker when stressed out
- actual patient reflexes for UMNLs#medtwitter #FOAMed #TuesdayMotivation
#TipsForNewDocs The universe of things you don't know about medicine far exceeds the things you do know. Therefore, humility is the single virtue that will best keep you and patients out of trouble.
— Gavin Preston, M.D. (@GavinPrestonMD) June 10, 2018
No one is a superstar — collaborate with your team as a unit.
No one will care how smart you are or if you can diagnose a hangnail in your first year. They want services that run like machines, and you have to learn how to make the hospital do what you need it to. Takes about 2-6 weeks, then rinse-repeat.
— Mark Hoofnagle (@MarkHoofnagle) April 11, 2018
Every intern should go on a field trip to a @WaffleHouse on a busy Sunday morning to learn how to run a CODE.
— Mark Reid, MD (@medicalaxioms) April 8, 2018
One person talking loud and clear, everybody else working fast, focused, and quiet. #TipsForNewDocs pic.twitter.com/uUYq8IYxkU
Tips for being awesome, and #tipsfornewdocs Treat your colleagues with respect, help them out on shift, make sure they eat, and try to get them out on time.
— Peter Chai (@PeterRchai) April 2, 2018
#TipsForNewDocs
— Robert J. Mahoney, MD (@mahoneyr) April 9, 2018
The only break that nurses (who don't smoke) get most days is lunch.
Sometimes it comes hours later than ordinary "lunch".
Let them have it in peace. Learn where linen carts and pantry are. Ask another nurse for help if needed.
And when you consult another team, make sure you have all the facts and present a well-researched plan.
#tipsfornewdocs -start with reason for consult https://t.co/kKy8yORsd6
— edward lew (@elewMD) April 25, 2018
The best phone calls I receive from my junior colleagues are ‘This is the problem, this is my plan’ and not ‘This is the problem, what do I do?’
— John-Joe Reilly (@jayjayaah) June 15, 2018
Always have a go at mentally making a plan. We’ll be there to guide you if it’s not quite right. You’ll learn so much.#TipsForNewDocs
You’re not in this alone. Find a mentor that can guide you in your career and support you when you veer toward burnout.
Have a formal mentor in place. This was set up for me as part of my residency, and the person assigned to me has now become my mentor as a professional. It was helpful to have a support person on site who is not evaluating you, but there to offer unbiased and practical support.
— Heather Foley (@HeatherFoleyRPh) April 11, 2018
Remember that at the end of the day, you’re there to care for your patients. Be present and empathetic.
How to be a good junior doctor?
— Dr Jackie (@simplyjak) March 19, 2018
Morning rounds should not be the only time you see your patients.
Come back and see them during the day - take time to talk to them about their concerns.
Your patients will thank you for it. And you'll be a better doctor for it#tipsfornewdocs
1. Parents/caregivers know their child better than you do. Listen & trust them as the diagnosis lies in large part in the history. When the chief complaint seems trivial to you, ask “what is it that is worrying you and made you seek care?”#TipsForNewDocs
— Marleny Franco, MD (@MFrancoMD) June 15, 2018
What is your favorite advice or clinical pearl you received from a surgery mentor that's stuck with you? Here's mine: "It may be just an appy to you, but for the patient it is a real surgery with risks- and that's scary!" #SurgTweeting@WomenSurgeons
— Tarin Worrest (@TWorrest) April 27, 2018
When it seems like a pt or family member is angry or confrontational, remember you are dealing w/ someone who is probably going through the most difficult time of their life. You may be exhausted, sleep deprived etc but your empathy will go a long way #tipsfornewdocs #medtwitter
— Andrea Kokorovic MD (@DrAndreaKoko) June 14, 2018
#medstudents treat the patient as a whole never forget the importance of positive spirits #Tipsfornewdocs https://t.co/tsA1vFVqej
— Madeline (@MadelineBTorres) June 18, 2018
But, don’t forget to care for yourself, too!
#TipsForNewDocs - No matter how busy the department, take your full breaks. You’ll feel better, perform better & be less likely to crash & burn(out)!
— Craig Walker (@CW_EM_ICM) March 23, 2018
#TipsForNewDocs Take every single minute of annual leave you're entitled to and try to do something nice with it
— Emily Hughes (@emjhu) April 2, 2018
This is going to be an exciting time of growth — good luck to you all!
5 3-word wisdoms for interns as passed down to me by chiefs/more senior residents:
— Jorge Zárate, MD (@jayzed92) June 14, 2018
1. Listen to me
2. Write it down
3. Do it now
4. Ask for help
5. Dont f*** up __
I’m so excited & terrified for intern year #TipsForNewDocs
