Ignore the schmoob's post above. They are gaslighting.
For culture in OMS: That depends, how many families have you had to tell that their child was brain dead, or that the cancer they patient had was terminal. At this point in your career I am going to assume this has not been a scenario you have been placed into, but I have been in these situations. The seriousness and severity of parts of the OMS resident training unfortunately can lead to a "gallows humor" type of mentality. I can see that from time to time I fall into that mindset. Should you have thick skin....well it will help to be able to disengage from the emotional aspect of some of what OMS training involves. Does that bleed over into other areas, for sure. Its not great and difficult for some to understand, but those who have not been through the gauntlet (see schmoob above) really have not idea what OMS residency involves. I equate OMS residency, most surgical residencies for that matter, to be similar to the shared trauma and bond that military people feel toward colleagues.
Now, does that excuse the behavior of faculty and staff, NO. Compassion and patient centered care is always the goal. Do certain patients make me regret my choice, yup, from time to time. But there are also great, appreciative patients who are so thankful for the care that OMS's provide. I always try to be conscious of the patient experience as best I can but it can be difficult working with the public and some of the levels of expectations patients have.
Culture is variable and not static, keep your eye on the prize because if you match and complete residency, the financial, personal and professional rewards are great. Just imagine a point in your life where you don't even need to look at your bank account except every 4-6 months , your day to day life is rewarding yet not-overly stressful, and you get to choose where and how ofter to vacation. etc. That's what results on the backside of OMS residency. As a academic and PP OMS, its a great job and lifestyle. The work life balance can be tough, but not all the time, as with any job there are downsides and upsides. The upsides far outweigh the downsides, I have several trips planned over the next 12 months including, Hawaii, Ireland, DC, Finland, Florida, Atlanta, and others. This is what OMS allows, as do other specialities, but I really like mine. I make a real difference help people. Sometimes its a painful tooth, sometimes its a malformed/developed jaw, sometimes it is a Lyme scooter accident. But I feel that I am making a difference in peoples lives daily.
Stay the course and if you get down, PM me. Let me pump you up for a great career.
