Fellowship
Discussions
Is research necessary for residency?
I have minimal research experience. Will it hurt my residency apps?
Depends on the speciality and program. Some are more research-focused than others. Try to get some experience if you can.
Only if you feel ready and not too burned out. Otherwise, it's perfectly fine to wait until you're in residency.
Yes, it’s smart to have a plan B just in case. Better safe than sorry!
How to deal with difficult attendings?
Any strategies for handling super tough attendings during rotations?
Keep your head down and work hard. Sometimes it's best to let your work speak for itself.
Communication is key, try to understand their expectations early on and always be proactive with your duties.
Find a mentor or a senior resident who can give you specific tips on what that attending prefers.
Take it one day at a time. Focus on why you started medicine in the first place. Also, don’t forget self-care.
Had a rotation where the supervisor was MIA most of the time. Self-learning to the extreme!
‘EMCrit’ is great for quick updates. Also, ‘The Curbsiders’ is awesome for internal medicine topics.
Struggling to decide on a specialty. Any advice on how to pick the right one?
Struggling to decide on a specialty. Any advice on how to pick the right one?
Think about what you enjoyed most during rotations and where you see yourself in the future. Talk to mentors!
Consider lifestyle, what kind of patients you enjoy working with, and the kind of impact you want to make.
Some programs offer stipends or have low-cost accommodations for interviewees, so always ask!
Save where you can, like staying with friends or using points for flights. Every little bit helps.
Handling mistakes in residency?
Made a mistake during my rotation and feeling down. How do you handle mistakes?
Everyone makes mistakes. Learn from it and talk to someone if you’re feeling really troubled.
Learn from everyone and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Everyone’s been there!
Review anatomy and common procedures. Also, brush up on your suturing skills!
Look for places close to the hospital. That extra sleep and less commute time really makes a difference.
Check out resident group chats or forums, sometimes current residents are looking to sublet or have recommendations.
It’s tough, but your body will eventually adjust. And make sure to have some downtime to relax after your shifts.
Blackout curtains and eye masks saved my life. Also napping before shifts helps!
Coffee! Also, try to keep a consistent sleep schedule even on your days off if possible.
Prioritize important events, and don’t be too hard on yourself. It’s a tough balance but doable.
Plan ahead as much as you can and communicate with your loved ones about your schedule!
If you can, do a global health elective! Great learning experience and helps keep things in perspective.