Doubts about new program

[BBketchR]

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Hey all, I am a new OB intern and am having doubts about my current program. The program does not seem very stable with quite a few issues that could result in it being placed on probation at the next residency review (actually this seems rather likely).

It also does not seem like the greatest education because the program is so busy that there is little time for teaching, it is all just work work work.

I really do not want to switch programs because I want to be settled, the people are really nice, good location, the hours relatively good and all that sort of stuff, however, I am afraid staying could put my career at risk.

Is it too early to be thinking of leaving a program?

Anyone else out there in the same boat?

(I know I have been somewhat vague, but I feel the need to remain discrete)

 

[obbigyney]

I'm having doubts about my program as well. It seems to provide adequate if not good training, however the atmosphere is trying my patience. I don't feel like there is much teaching at board signout, or otherwise. We get lectures once a week, but that doesn't replace real-time, real-patient teaching, in my opinion.

And I'm not too sure about the other residents. I love my fellow interns, but could take or leave many of the upper level residents. I feel like everyone is very disgruntled, to put it nicely. Attendings and residents alike.

For a while I was doubting my career choice, but now I've realized I really do like WHAT I'm doing, just not the atmosphere in which I'm doing it. And it's really just the residency program. The hospital is fine. The nurses are wonderful, much friendlier, smarter, more independent, and more helpful than where I went to med school.

As an intern I don't feel like I get any guidance as to whether I'm doing things right or wrong. No, "hey, good job!" or "that wasn't right, here's what you should do in the future." Everything's just kind of nebulous, or I'm supposed to figure out the "______" way (no, not parkland). And it became quite clear early on that interns cannot question why things are done a certain way. But interestinly enough, the upper levels hover. They hover over deliveries done by interns, etc. I can't figure out if they don't trust me or they're just overbearing or they were told they have to be there or what.

I don't know what to do, but I don't want to be miserable for 4 years. I have no idea how we'll do in our RRC review though. Probably things look good on paper. I've never been through one, so I wouldn't know.

 

[BBketchR]

I could have written your same post! Are you sure we are not at the same program 🙂

Except that is, for the part about upper levels hovering...my upper levels are constantly doing something else...there are times when I run the entire L&D deck by myself with just my second year popping in between c-sections. Then at night the third and fourth year go to bed even though we have night float, which drives me crazy! If there is night float that is their job and they are sleeping on it!

I too love my intern class (well maybe not one of them but I can live with him/her) however there are several upper years that I could definitly do without.

I also don't feel my upper years are very knowledgeable, at least not in comparison to other upper level residents I have worked with, which makes me nervous about my education. It is difficult to tell whether this is a resident problem or a program problem but I am more concerned it is the later.

It is also just very difficult to think of going to work with all the negativity that abounds in the program.

I'm having doubts about my program as well. It seems to provide adequate if not good training, however the atmosphere is trying my patience. I don't feel like there is much teaching at board signout, or otherwise. We get lectures once a week, but that doesn't replace real-time, real-patient teaching, in my opinion.

And I'm not too sure about the other residents. I love my fellow interns, but could take or leave many of the upper level residents. I feel like everyone is very disgruntled, to put it nicely. Attendings and residents alike.

For a while I was doubting my career choice, but now I've realized I really do like WHAT I'm doing, just not the atmosphere in which I'm doing it. And it's really just the residency program. The hospital is fine. The nurses are wonderful, much friendlier, smarter, more independent, and more helpful than where I went to med school.

As an intern I don't feel like I get any guidance as to whether I'm doing things right or wrong. No, "hey, good job!" or "that wasn't right, here's what you should do in the future." Everything's just kind of nebulous, or I'm supposed to figure out the "______" way (no, not parkland). And it became quite clear early on that interns cannot question why things are done a certain way. But interestinly enough, the upper levels hover. They hover over deliveries done by interns, etc. I can't figure out if they don't trust me or they're just overbearing or they were told they have to be there or what.

I don't know what to do, but I don't want to be miserable for 4 years. I have no idea how we'll do in our RRC review though. Probably things look good on paper. I've never been through one, so I wouldn't know.

 

[pruritis_ani]

Well, first of all, I think that your problems are not unsusual for intern year, especially early on. I know that it is a tough year, and nothing at all feels like it is going right. I would not be surprised if you both had a different perspective in a few months....

But, that may not be the case. And, if your program is in danger of probation or losing accreditation (btw, how do you know this is the case?), that is a real issue.

A major problem is that leaving does not ensure you of a better environment. Many programs that have openings have them because people left for similar compaints to yours.

My advice...hang tough. Talk with your seniors or your faculty mentor. Get through at least half the intern year before making too many harsh judgements. If probation comes, then get the hell out.

Best of luck