This beats residency...

[DocBlin]

Well he has done one month post residency as an Urgent Care attending. Worked approx 10 14 hrs shifts. And his classic quote, "This beats residency any day!" The light at the end of the tunnel concept..

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[rachmoninov3]

I was thinking that too--especially private practice seeing around 15 patients a day rather than the 20-25 seen in residency clinic. But then I had a really bad induction and resultant sick baby, and there's still so very much to learn! I somehow thought I'd be more competent at this point but I feel like an intern again...except this time I am fully responsible.

 

[SuckySurgeon7]

I was thinking that too--especially private practice seeing around 15 patients a day rather than the 20-25 seen in residency clinic. But then I had a really bad induction and resultant sick baby, and there's still so very much to learn! I somehow thought I'd be more competent at this point but I feel like an intern again...except this time I am fully responsible.

Just started med school, but this message somewhat worries me... I need to feel competent and in control before I advertise myself to patients. What do you feel that you still need to learn, and do you think there's something you could have done differently? I don't mean to make you feel badly for an occurrence that may not have been your fault; I'm simply wondering what the future holds for me. Thanks.

 

[cabinbuilder]

It's always a learning process. I have been out of residency for 5 years. I saw my first case ever of Parotiditis today. Uptodate only talks about all the scary scenarios. So I called my seasoned hospitalist who taught me how to treat this: high dose PCN 1 gm Q8 for 7 days, robitussin cough meds then suck on a lemon wedge to promote excessive salivation to try to clear the ducts. Then f/u with ENT to have them clear the parotid duct. NICE!!!!

You cannot learn everything about every scenario in residency. You have to realize what you don't know and ask or call someone to help you and answer your concerns. I do it all the time especially when I'm in a location where I am by myself and help is hours away.

 

[rachmoninov3]

Sadly, the string of badness keeps continuing. No one died yet, but I'm really starting to question myself, my residency training--and I was the one who was looking for everything extra I could during residency, and teaching as much as I could...and still mistakes happen. I will be more conservative in the future. I will be more thorough. I won't quit but today I seriously considered it. And I won't get into the trap worrying that this is bad luck/black cloud (I've always been a white cloud)...but it sucks.

 

[deleted87716]

The first couple of years out of residency are the toughest. Always pay attention to the hairs on the back of your neck, and never fail to consult a colleague when in doubt. It does get better.

 

[rachmoninov3]

Thanks Blue Dog. I'm working with two great private practice physicians who have 12 and 18 more experience than I do...and I know medicine years are like dog years...so I am thankful that I have good teachers. I just hope they have patience with me!

 

[VA Hopeful Dr]

The first couple of years out of residency are the toughest. Always pay attention to the hairs on the back of your neck, and never fail to consult a colleague when in doubt. It does get better.

Agreed. My first year out, I got nervous and curbsided my partner (14 years of rural practice before coming back to the east coast) probably 2-3 times per week. Also likely referred out more than I should have. This year has been better and I expect the next to be better still.

 

[MedicineMan99]

Family Medicine is tough because we have the broadest scope of any specialty. I think of graduating residency a lot like getting your driver's license. You don't really know how to drive until you've been driving with your own license for a few years. The same goes for being an attending. There's nothing wrong with curbsiding others. And there's nothing wrong with making soft calls for referring to specialists in your first few years out. You'll learn a lot about your weaknesses by which patients you refer, and how the specialist manages them.