anyone else going through year-off wards withdrawal?

[BlondeDocteur]

---

Members don't see this ad.

As the mini-CV that is my signature indicates, I recently dropped out of the 2009 class into our 2010 class in order to pursue a year of research.

I loved third year. I mean, really really loved it. I loved being on the wards, doing the work, playing doctor. And even though the research gig is good, I miss taking care of patients.

Anyone else out there in the same predicament? I feel frustrated, like I'm in a holding pattern, instead of moving on with my life. I'm jealous of my classmates going through the Match, planning their careers. But most of all I miss clinical medicine.

 

[Guile]

I've thought seriously about a year off, and this is one thing holding me back. I love taking care of patients. LOVE IT. I imagine I'll miss it a lot. But I really enjoy research, too. I guess you have to make sacrifices to pursue diversified interests.

I see you're at Columbia. I hear a lot of you guys take a year off and enjoy it. Best of luck.

 

[diosa428]

I'm also doing a year of research between clinical years. I actually really enjoy having the break and completely focusing on what interests me, but there were quite a few rotations I didn't enjoy, so spending 100% of my time on my career interest is nice. Can you go to clinic during the week? Perhaps that will help you with your patient withdrawl. I still see/talk to patients and enjoy doing so. You could also see if there's a nearby free clinic that you could volunteer at on the weekends...

 

[MrBurns10]

diosa, not you too?? I can't imagine going through ward withdrawal. While I enjoyed my rotations more or less, I could not wait to be done with that year. OP, if you really do miss seeing patients, you should ask if you can help out at a local clinic (like diosa suggested). I'm sure they'd be happy to have you there.

 

[BlondeDocteur]

Ya, we have a free med student-run primary care clinic, and I've put in a couple of shifts. I'm also teaching first year med students, which is fun and quasi-clinical. I guess I miss being part of the team, and the fast pace of the wards.

Most people taking a year off in my original class (there are 50+ of us) echo your sentiments, diosa-- they love it, especially the free time and the chance to specialize. I'm the odd one out, it seems.