Blanking out during rounds

[DD214_DOC]

I already know I have anxiety issues. I have gotten a LOT better at one-on-one and small group interaction, to the point where it doesn't really bother me that much. I don't have much of a problem with presenting.

Unfortunately, the larger-group scenario is still a problem. During rounds we are often called on in front of residents/interns/attendings and 9/10 I will blank out due to sheer anxiety/adrenaline, even though I would know the answer were I to be asked one on one.

How do I deal with this? Do residents/attendings realize this happens sometimes and don't think I'm a complete *****?

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[Dejavu]

I already know I have anxiety issues. I have gotten a LOT better at one-on-one and small group interaction, to the point where it doesn't really bother me that much. I don't have much of a problem with presenting.

Unfortunately, the larger-group scenario is still a problem. During rounds we are often called on in front of residents/interns/attendings and 9/10 I will blank out due to sheer anxiety/adrenaline, even though I would know the answer were I to be asked one on one.

How do I deal with this? Do residents/attendings realize this happens sometimes and don't think I'm a complete *****?

One thing is for sure, you should go into anesthesia. After internship and a few ICU rotations, we don't, thanks be to God, have to round on anybody in groups. In the OR the teaching is one-to-one.

As for now, there will always be people with the talent to grab obscure facts and details out of the air. They shine during rounds because the situation is perfect for that talent. Don't worry about it. Your talents probably lie elsewhere. Use the time during close encounters with your attendings and Chief residents to let them see that you actually know stuff.

Easy to say, hard to do, but relax in the knowledge that you are not alone in this. I remember back to those rounding days with much angst. I hated it.

 

[EternalMD]

Its fairly common for medical students to blank when asked a question in front of a group (been there, done that). Hell, I've even seen some of my residents completely blank. The important thing is that as time goes on, you will learn more and more everyday and your CONFIDENCE will grow. Once you become confident in yourself, you will learn to brush off every wrong answer you give and it'll decrease your stress allowing you to just learn information which is ultimately more important.

 

[TTPHUS]

this happened to me a few times ..very embarassing

 

[doc4life95]

In point of FACT, no one knows it all.
but can I ask how have attendings responded if you consult your PDA for an answer?
has anyone's attending objected?
after all no one should be faulted for wanting to be 100% CORRECT right?

 

[OpheliaCarp]

Blanking out probably happened to those attendings as well
hopefully they dont forget Their own bad experiences

 

[Saladin MD]

One thing is for sure, you should go into anesthesia.

That's great. I also have this same problem. Give me a written exam and I do very well. But ask me a question in a group setting (with other students/residents), and my mind blanks like anything. Very embarrassing, and even a bit soul-crushing.

 

[smarmy]

Same here. I've figured out that I can give an answer to a question that I know the person is actually asking - as in, the person himself does not know the answer. I am relaxed in that situation and can think and help the person out. On the other hand, in rounds, etc., when I am pimped (even if in a friendly way) and I know that the attending/resident is waiting for me to say the correct phrase/whatever is on his/her mind, I completely blank. I've been trying to trick myself into thinking that the attending is *actually* asking so that I can think clearly, but I'll admit, it hasn't worked yet🙂

 

[McSnappy]

I already know I have anxiety issues. I have gotten a LOT better at one-on-one and small group interaction, to the point where it doesn't really bother me that much. I don't have much of a problem with presenting.

Unfortunately, the larger-group scenario is still a problem. During rounds we are often called on in front of residents/interns/attendings and 9/10 I will blank out due to sheer anxiety/adrenaline, even though I would know the answer were I to be asked one on one.

How do I deal with this? Do residents/attendings realize this happens sometimes and don't think I'm a complete *****?

I also will do this on a, thankfully, minimum of 2x/wk. Seemed like it was daily during 3rd year. It does get better. Albeit to slowly. I'm thinking by the middle of intern year, I might be down to max. of 3x/week. Hey, everyone has got to dream a little! 😉
A resident of mine gave me this advice:
When someone asks you a question, stop, pause for a couple of seconds and tell yourself to order your mind and think by systems (CV, Resp, GI, Renal...) That really helped me out. I found myself beginning to trigger the pathway the answer was in for me!