Tips For The New Doctor As a fresh medical graduate just stepping into the world of medical practice, it can be quite an exciting experience. But then excitement isn't all you have to deal with. It also comes with its own fresh set of challenges. As a medical student, even though you may have a wealth of knowledge, it's never quite enough to prepare you for the direct responsibility of patient care. It is something you learn on the job. But not to worry, it's something every single doctor would have had to deal with at some point in their career. So if you are a fresh young doctor starting out, here are a few tips you might find useful: 1. Never hesitate to ask questions. It doesn't matter how much you already know. There will always be things that will be new to you at the beginning. Ask questions about what you are not sure of. Put your shyness aside and make those enquiries. They will be useful to you and help you quickly settle in. 2. Be organised. It's quite easy to get caught up with the hustle and bustle of the clinical setting, but remember that being organised helps you work not just hard but well. 3. Do not skip your meals. Yes do not skip your meals, and this isn't some unrealistic advice. There is only so much adrenaline can do for you before you break down. You do not want to start out your medical journey with bad habits. Ensure you get your breakfast and then make arrangements for lunch. You can have it delivered to your desk to save time. 4. It's ok to feel nervous. Just as it is with trying out new things, it's quite expected to have the jitters. But bear in mind that you are not alone in this. Everyone else like you probably feels the same way. Here, asking questions comes in handy once more. Your senior colleagues are a fountain of knowledge and most times, they are willing to share so start drinking already! 5. Develop a good team spirit. Medicine is multidisciplinary. A lot of times, patient care would require a multidisciplinary approach. Learn to work with other colleagues as well as other health professionals. At the end of the day, the ultimate goal is to provide the best care possible to the patient.
