Hello Friends. I just wanted to take the time to welcome and congratulate all of you who will be beginning your first day of internship tomorrow, July 1st. Many of you have already started with orientation and even in the hospital but all patients know that July 1st is the traditional day to avoid the hospital because we are all steppin’ it up a notch! I’ve written a lot about my internship already so I won’t belabor the issue. Suffice it to say that I experienced a year of inconceivable growth as a physician and a person. I am lucky to say I am one of the few who enjoyed internship. Some brief words of Advices: Be on time – Nobody likes waiting for sign out, especially if they are waiting for the intern Be a hard worker – You’re unlikely to impress anyone with your genius (yes even you!), but everyone will notice if you’re a hard worker… this should continue at home when you… Read – I know, old advice, but seriously, read! I am guilty of not doing enough of it. Half an hour a night, you will be surprised how much knowledge you amass and how often it comes up. See your patients – Senior residents/attending may be able to get away with diagnosing and treating over the phone, you can’t. The scene you see when you actually walk into the room is often much different from you imagined! Pick a stellar resident to emulate – Figure out what they do to prepare and how they think, they have been through this shit and have vast amounts of knowledge that will make it EASIER for you. Don’t take the easy way out – Look for challenges, it may SUCK at the time to take the “hard” floor but it will make you a better physician and that is why you are here but don’t forget to… ASK FOR HELP– You will get in over your head. It’s okay, you’re an intern! There is always someone you can call, learn from these experiences. Trust your instincts – If something feels wrong, it probably is. Work it up and/or tell someone! Be a doctor gosh daren’t! Don’t trust anyone except yourself – Follow up on your own labs, order your own tests, see your own patients. Double check then re-check otherwise you WILL get burned. Don’t be an ass – Seriously. You will have rough days. Do not take it out on other people especially med students and nurses. Put on your fucking happy face and get over it! Bonus: Never forget you’re getting paid– booyeah! It’s not much but it’s better than taking out loans! What tips do you have for our illustrious incoming interns? Tell us more about it...
