“Approach every case with humility, not trying to show off what you already know, but trying to discover what new there is for you to learn. And on the days when you hate residency (and you will have those days) never forget that it is only temporary. If you pay attention to your work/life balance and seek the areas of your specialty that bring you the most enjoyment, then you will have a happy and productive career and all of the trials and tribulations.”
“No one is perfect, so when you make a mistake, try to learn at least enough to prevent yourself from making the same one again.”
“Be patient when you start residency. The first year in your specialty will feel like you are drinking information from a fire hose. Do not get overwhelmed by the volume of information you don’t know. It will be daunting at first, but just know that if you dedicate 1 hour per day toward studying/reading, you will end up learning everything you need to know by the time you complete residency.”
“Ask questions of everyone around (e.g. care givers, nurses, pharmacists, physicians, staff, students, etc.). Demonstrating respect for the knowledge and experience of others will enhance your education AND credibility.”
“Strive to maintain a work/life balance. Be careful not to neglect friends, family, hobbies and interests outside of medicine.”
“It’s okay to say ‘I don’t know’ but always follow up with ‘but I’ll look it up.’ All we have is the truth. Really try to listen. Listen to your patients. Listen to your colleagues. Listen to your attendings. Listen to yourself.”
“Listen to every story, remember the feel of every finding, and always be present for your patient. There is so much to learn in the most unlikeliest of places if you only pay attention.”
“Residency is a very fun but busy time in life, with countless opportunities for professional and personal growth. Setting goals and schedules is important to ensure adequate time for self, family, self-learning, and any other priorities.”
Dr. Justin T. Jordan – Author of Neurology Self-Assessment
“An elderly patient in my office took an interest in the medical student and so at the end of the visit I asked if he had any advice. He quickly offered it. ‘Pay Attention.’ He went on to explain that the real curriculum of medicine was happening around him in the interactions between the doctor and patient, family and staff. Paying attention to these and sorting them into those to be copied and those to be avoided will result in a personal style that will lead to a satisfying career. So pay attention to the way others talk to patients, do their exams and solve the medical puzzles. You will also be a teacher.”
“The most meaningful rewards come from your patients and your peers. You will be much happier at the end of the day if you have stayed a few minutes longer but feel like you really listened to and spent time with your patients and really helped your colleagues.”
“The joy ahead is to learn another dimension from seeing many patients, to add to what you already know from reading many books. The trick is to combine the two: make time to read up on those cases that challenge you, and keep revising your differential diagnoses and management plans even for the apparently straightforward cases.”
“Remember to focus and prioritize; focus on the immediate task at hand, prioritize what needs to be done first and get it done in order of importance. Show interest in the welfare of your patients, they are depending on you. And, never discus your patients in the hallway or elevators in front strangers; they may be a family member!”
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