What Shouldn’t I Do During an Internal Medicine Residency?

Written By: Rachael Kaine

Many people that choose to complete an internal medicine residency do so in a totally new area, meaning that they are essentially starting over. This means moving away from family, friends and the life that they’ve known previously. Starting an extensive program like this in a new city can be overwhelming, which causes some people to make decisions quickly, but there are a few things that you should avoid during a residency program so that you may focus your attention where it belongs - on your future career.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During an Internal Medicine Residency

- Do not avoid or put off work duties. This includes everything from studying to paying attention to what you see and hear in the hospitals and clinics from your superiors. These things are important for you to carry into your future, and time spent pushing things to the side or ignoring them can mean a lot of catch up later.

- Don’t make huge life decisions during a residency, as this can add to the stress and feelings of being overwhelmed you feel. While it is possible to maintain serious relationships during an internal medicine residency, it is usually not a good idea to plan a wedding or have a baby during this time.

- Always remember to take care of yourself. You’ll be working for anywhere from 12 to 16 hours a day some days, so proper nutrition and getting as much rest as possible can help to ensure that you’re as alert and aware as you can be. Getting sick or being overtired all of the time won’t help you any.

Ways to Make an Internal Medicine Residency Simple

An internal medicine residency requires you to be sharp and alert at all times, but this takes practice. During the years spent learning from senior residents, hospital staff members and your colleagues and classmates, you’ll pick up many different techniques and ideas that will help you out as you grow and develop your skills.

Internal medicine is all about learning to treat the different ailments and conditions that impact the daily lives of adults, but this can only be done with a clear head and an open mind. While it may seem like a never ending cycle of classes, patients, information and meetings, a residency is the most important few years of your life, and you need to make the most of it. This will ensure that you’re able to help people in the exact ways that they need, time and time again. Take a deep breath, eat a good breakfast and go into each day with a clear head and an open mind.