Advice to a new class of young doctors

While it's normal to feel like you're under a lot of pressure to become a new doctor, you have to work your way through it. Fortunately, seeking advice from those who have been there, as well as other members of the care team, can make the process a little easier. Below, we've collected more than a dozen tips from experienced medical professionals to help you navigate your first year as a resident and beyond.

Workload Management

Be super organized. Make sure you create a system for everything you have to do during the day and prioritize the most important things. If you're feeling overwhelmed, ask for the ugly. It's not an easy transition, and your peers and seniors are always there to support you and help you learn. While you're eager to demonstrate your ability, initial humility in the workplace may be more important. More experienced colleagues feel valued and respected when you ask for advice, and if you are a new doctor, they see this as maturity rather than weakness. Also, use your services wisely so other employees don't think you're doing more work for them. Who you turn to for help is also important. Nurses, therapists, and other service providers can help you be more productive, but they don't inform you. Don't assume that because you are a doctor, they will follow every order you write. If they call you to make other suggestions for your patients, listen respectfully. You don't always have to give in to their demands, but choose your battles.

When I was a new doctor, I wish I knew it was okay to make mistakes. As long as you work hard, you can be proud of your efforts. don't beat yourself up. I do my best because it's the best I can do.

Take the time to study. The idea of a residency is to know different methods and apply what you learn in practice.Don't be too hard on yourself and don't be afraid to ask questions. Especially since other doctors don't have time to follow you and explain, your positivity is very much appreciated. You will be on your feet all day, but to doctors, "all day" really means all day. Not wearing ergonomic shoes and insoles will cause long-term back and joint pain.You should also stretch frequently and practice yoga and gymnastics. Doctors sometimes have to lift and move heavy objects or people. If you don't use good lifting technique, you can injure your neck and back.

You have your own doctor. Doctors tend to self-medicate too often. You need someone who is fair to you, if you feel something isn't right, check it out, and you also need time to get enough sleep. Sleep improves memory, mood, sexual function and reduces irritability. This should be a top priority for everyone, including doctors.

The combined years we spend in medical education do not prepare us as to how to care for ourselves. My advice to future colleagues is: Stress is inevitable in this career, so it's about developing a self-care ritual to help you manage it. It is a systemic approach that includes fullness-based stress reduction. Ultimately, it is the individual physician's responsibility to develop resilience that contributes to good health and prevents burnout.

Patient Communication

Physicians work with (depending on the region chosen) the dying and the bereaved. There is nothing worse than healthcare professionals avoiding topics or missing out on conversations with patients and families. Remember, you can't take away their emotional pain. It's okay to express your feelings if someone is sad or informed of the prognosis. In fact, it's in their best interest.

Actively listen to your patients. Listen to their concerns and reflect on what they have shared with you. "Okay Mr. Sharma, I heard you've been through X and are worried because of Y. Am I getting that right?" Patients can be reassured that they are being told and respected.

Teamwork

To avoid medication delays and clinic recalls, all prescriptions, whether electronic or handwritten, must include the following information: patient's name, patient's date of birth, doctor's name and contact details, DEA number, drug name, drug strength, drug amount, consultation date, and patient's If your insurance requires pre-approval, let your pharmacy know how to handle it. Remember, pharmacists are part of your team!

Now that you've graduated from medical school, it can be difficult to take the time to sit down and really listen. Hmm. But in the long run, listening often saves time. Get a chair and discuss the situation with the patient in the room. Ask about their state of mind and how they feel about care. Then, as you incorporate this information into your care plan, discuss your findings with your nurse to get any additional information you find. Combine these two interviews to create a complete perspective of what your patients are going through and the most effective plans for the future. to build relationships with peers. From anesthesiologists to nurses, technicians to other medical professionals, learn to build relationships and respect every piece of the puzzle. Each part provides a whole and the focus is always on the patient, not the competition. You're fresh out of college and passionate about your knowledge, but maybe there are nurses who have been working for decades and are more knowledgeable. Consider other sources of information. If you can do that, success will be yours and people will be excited to work with you.

Maintain personal connections with partners, hospital and community colleagues, and hospital nurses and staff. we have a tough job. It is very helpful to have people to talk to about what is going on in our practice and with our patients. Getting together can help build stronger connections and stronger teams, help you overcome burnout issues, and help each other better.

Looking forward

It can be a difficult decision to choose between a clinical or an academic-research based career, while moving forward in life. Both have their pros and cons and can be difficult, so know which is most important in the long run. Statistics show that nearly half of scholarship recipients change jobs within two years of completing their training. Taking a side job at a local clinic or hospital during training gives young doctors the chance to see what it's like to work in a private practice (and vice versa) and can be the best way to get a job immediately after training.

Do not give up

Always look for exciting new opportunities. Learning doesn't end when you graduate from medical school or complete your residency. Join professional organizations and clubs related to your field. Attend lectures, seminars, meetings, conferences and training sessions whenever possible. Consider adding a professional certificate or two to your portfolio. There is something for both newcomers and experienced doctors alike.

What we know as patient care today will certainly be different in 20 years. Practice is almost unrecognizable today, and this change will accelerate in the years to come.Find a practice that embraces change, or even better, be at the forefront of it. Also, find practices that involve continuous learning and adaptation to new standards of care. Best Practices has a system for sharing knowledge, best practices, and new standards. Finding and implementing all new clinical recommendations should not be the job of individual physicians.