Ever feel unsured?

[staphaureus]

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I study, I pass tests, I did decent on the boards, I get good comments... but I often wonder if I know what the hell I'm doing, especially when I'll be taking care of people in a couple of years.

I think most students have had these thoughts at some point, especially so early in the education process... but in my situation, I do forget stuff I learn pretty quickly... anyway vent over.

 

[alphaholic06]

I'm just an M1 but I feel like forget things as soon as walk out of the test. I know from SDN, and talking with other students, residents, and attending that we won't be using a lot of these things anyway, but it's still disheartening to feel like you're not retaining the information.

 

[njbmd]

The good thing is that you retain what you use. The bad thing is that you retain what you use. I never worried about not remembering every detail from my pre-clinical years because I knew that if I had learned something once, it was pretty easy to review and recall if I needed it.

I was far more advanced when I started my PGY-1 year than many of my fellow interns likely because I took fourth year electives (radiology, geriatrics etc.) that I felt would make me a stronger surgical intern. It turns out that this was a wise move on my part because I was totally comfortable with patient care and handling call problems pretty early. I was also fortunate that my residency program made sure that we (the interns) knew that we had plenty of support from senior residents if needed.

Don't worry about what you are forgetting and save that energy for building on your foundation. You will be ready when the time comes.

 

[Corker]

I study, I pass tests, I did decent on the boards, I get good comments... but I often wonder if I know what the hell I'm doing, especially when I'll be taking care of people in a couple of years.

I think most students have had these thoughts at some point, especially so early in the education process... but in my situation, I do forget stuff I learn pretty quickly... anyway vent over.

I think it's really mature of you to admit this, and I empathize. I am just about to start the path you are on, and I have had this thought already. Taking care of people in life and death situations (or even with routine care) is a huge responsibility. I have worked in other fields where my work is "important" to people, but never where a small mis-step could be disastrous.

The fact that you are introspective enough to see that you don't "know everything" shows humility, which I think is an important part of being a physician. Njbmd is right, also, you will develop the confidence as you continue in your schooling, residency, and career. Also, it is the nature of "perfectionists" (like most of us) to set extremely high expectations for ourselves that can sometimes be unrealistic. Don't be too hard on yourself.

Take heart in the fact that you were chosen for this because of your potential and achievements. You will be working with colleagues throughout your life, and there is no shame in asking them for advice or opinions on things. That's what REAL professionals do in all fields (at least when they aren't too proud to do it or think they already know everything!) Chin up! You sound like you are very "down to earth" and I'm sure njbmd is correct when he says you'll remember what you need when you need it! Thanks for sharing...I'm sure many others have felt this same vulnerability and are too afraid to admit it!