Favortism on the wards??

[streetdoc]

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quick question...or maybe i just need a sympathetic ear.
For 2 weeks I have been a bit concerned that I didn't "click" with my chief and attending on my current service. I'm not too concerned about it (well, obviously i am if i'm posting) but anyway, it has now become more like I'm the "odd man out" and the attending will speak to the other student and not me when "teaching." He will say "good job, ____" and "great differential, _____". On my presentations (which other residents i'm on with say are great), I get nothing except pimped. My intern actually has to say "streetdoc caught a medication error that could have killed the patient" and he said "the nusre would have caught that." (which may be true, but come on)

I have also been passed over twice for good "rare" patients to pick up and both of these have lead to possibilities of write up/submissions.
It's also the chief resident...he will get the back of the other student and say "____ was in a lecture when those labs came back" and was at the required case report to support and, again, get the back of the student. He asked me what time my case report was going to be and then showed up an hour later. That kinda hurt, i admit. I really thought i was reading way too much into it, but the 2 interns approached me (without me mentioning anything) and told me to keep my head up. One of them helped me with my case report and spent time going over patient stuff with me-since i don't really get teaching. one of my patients is going down hill and the chief couldn't careless...about the patient or exploring why with me.

wow, that got long, fast...sorry. i was really just wondering if you guys had ever had this type of stuff happen and what can i do...if anything. just feeling bummed as i had hoped to get a letter from the rotation. I hope this situation changes soon.

thanks,
streetdoc

 

[loveumms]

streetdoc - that really sucks and I'm sure is very frustrating. Unfortunately, it is human nature to sometimes play favorites, as unfair as it is.

Does the other student see what is happening? Are they approachable or are they the cut-throat kind of student? If you are friends with this person I would just ask if they will at least try to let you have the floor sometimes. They might be willing to give up the next really interesting patient, just saying something to the effect of "do you think this pt might be better for streetdoc since he wants to go into X".

I've been extremely lucky, for the most part, and have been with very friendly/reasonable classmates that are not competitive and would be very accomodating. Its a really tough situation.

 

[streetdoc]

streetdoc - that really sucks and I'm sure is very frustrating. Unfortunately, it is human nature to sometimes play favorites, as unfair as it is.

Does the other student see what is happening? Are they approachable or are they the cut-throat kind of student? If you are friends with this person I would just ask if they will at least try to let you have the floor sometimes. They might be willing to give up the next really interesting patient, just saying something to the effect of "do you think this pt might be better for streetdoc since he wants to go into X".

I've been extremely lucky, for the most part, and have been with very friendly/reasonable classmates that are not competitive and would be very accomodating. Its a really tough situation.

That's a very good point (human nature/favorites) and i keep reminding myself of that. It was when the other residents approached me to say they saw what was going on is when i really started feeling frustrated (i knew it wasn't just me). I guess i expected "leaders" and "teachers" to be alert to what they were doing and for them to at least try to be fair...but i know life isn't fair.

approaching the other student...yeah, did that...but the student is a HUGE gunner...dosn't want to share the possibilities of write ups/submissions or patients...really hard to deal with, but i did try that first. thanks for the support and advice!
streetdoc

 

[surg]

Even "leaders" and "teachers" are human. As much as I have always tried to treat all those "under" me equally, I'm sure if you asked them, they would probably not agree. This is just the way life is, in any profession. If the student shares the same love of classic cars or golf or fly fishing with a resident or attending and you don't, they will "click" in a way that you can't.

As to the other student, even if he/she wasn't a gunner, it would be hard for them to pass on patients to you after they are assigned without looking like they are shirking work. The only thing I can think of is to be more pro-active in asking for the interesting patients before they make the assignment or agreeing to a system of alternating assignments.

Keep your chin up. Work hard. Learn what you can from them. Shine when you are pimped. It is discouraging to feel underappreciated, but hard work is always noticed in the end. Finally, remember that you can survive anything for one month. Good luck to you!

 

[SurgeryChef]

Even "leaders" and "teachers" are human. As much as I have always tried to treat all those "under" me equally, I'm sure if you asked them, they would probably not agree. This is just the way life is, in any profession. If the student shares the same love of classic cars or golf or fly fishing with a resident or attending and you don't, they will "click" in a way that you can't.

As to the other student, even if he/she wasn't a gunner, it would be hard for them to pass on patients to you after they are assigned without looking like they are shirking work. The only thing I can think of is to be more pro-active in asking for the interesting patients before they make the assignment or agreeing to a system of alternating assignments.

Keep your chin up. Work hard. Learn what you can from them. Shine when you are pimped. It is discouraging to feel underappreciated, but hard work is always noticed in the end. Finally, remember that you can survive anything for one month. Good luck to you!

First, I'm really sorry to hear about this. I totally believe that things like this happen all the time and it's really not fair.

I don't know if you've considered this, but if I were you, I would strongly consider setting up a meeting with the attending. From what you've said it can't possibly make things any worse. If you caught the individual alone and merely asked for feedback and what your "strengths and weaknesses" are and what he/she recommends you do to improve. Say that you're enjoying rotation X, however, questioned if there was anything more you should be doing.

I'd just worry that something nasty is going to come on your eval if you don't bring this up now. If the attending blows you off and says you're doing "fine" then don't sweat it - there is nothing more you can do. If by chance you get railed on your eval AFTER this, then you can totally dispute your grade with the course director and say that you asked for specific feedback and nothing concrete was given.

If you don't talk with the attending and are passive about the whole thing he/she could always play the "well he never made an attempt to contact me about his progress" card. This is just my opinion, but give it some thought. It sounds like there is truly something that this individual doesn't like about you and it's probably best to get to the bottom of it if you don't want your grade to suffer.

 

[RonaldColeman]

quick question...or maybe i just need a sympathetic ear.
For 2 weeks I have been a bit concerned that I didn't "click" with my chief and attending on my current service. I'm not too concerned about it (well, obviously i am if i'm posting) but anyway, it has now become more like I'm the "odd man out" and the attending will speak to the other student and not me when "teaching." He will say "good job, ____" and "great differential, _____". On my presentations (which other residents i'm on with say are great), I get nothing except pimped. My intern actually has to say "streetdoc caught a medication error that could have killed the patient" and he said "the nusre would have caught that." (which may be true, but come on)

I have also been passed over twice for good "rare" patients to pick up and both of these have lead to possibilities of write up/submissions.
It's also the chief resident...he will get the back of the other student and say "____ was in a lecture when those labs came back" and was at the required case report to support and, again, get the back of the student. He asked me what time my case report was going to be and then showed up an hour later. That kinda hurt, i admit. I really thought i was reading way too much into it, but the 2 interns approached me (without me mentioning anything) and told me to keep my head up. One of them helped me with my case report and spent time going over patient stuff with me-since i don't really get teaching. one of my patients is going down hill and the chief couldn't careless...about the patient or exploring why with me.

wow, that got long, fast...sorry. i was really just wondering if you guys had ever had this type of stuff happen and what can i do...if anything. just feeling bummed as i had hoped to get a letter from the rotation. I hope this situation changes soon.

thanks,
streetdoc

Are you a guy while the other students are girls??? I have definitely seen male attendings dote on the female medical students but basically ignore the male students.

 

[streetdoc]

Even "leaders" and "teachers" are human. As much as I have always tried to treat all those "under" me equally, I'm sure if you asked them, they would probably not agree. This is just the way life is, in any profession. If the student shares the same love of classic cars or golf or fly fishing with a resident or attending and you don't, they will "click" in a way that you can't.

As to the other student, even if he/she wasn't a gunner, it would be hard for them to pass on patients to you after they are assigned without looking like they are shirking work. The only thing I can think of is to be more pro-active in asking for the interesting patients before they make the assignment or agreeing to a system of alternating assignments.

Keep your chin up. Work hard. Learn what you can from them. Shine when you are pimped. It is discouraging to feel underappreciated, but hard work is always noticed in the end. Finally, remember that you can survive anything for one month. Good luck to you!

I agree with the "clicking" and that is just unique to being people (animals may to, but that's neither here nor there). The other student is a bit underhanded and plays the game well...which is just part of life and 3rd year too. But thanks for putting the other perspective out there for me to see. i don't know what i'd do if the shoe was on the other foot, but i think i'd be gracious and say "well,____ hasn't had a cool patient in a while and i'll work on my write up of that super weird case if ____ wants to work this one up." that's in aperfect world though.
Thanks for the encouragement!
streetdoc

 

[streetdoc]

First, I'm really sorry to hear about this. I totally believe that things like this happen all the time and it's really not fair.

I don't know if you've considered this, but if I were you, I would strongly consider setting up a meeting with the attending. From what you've said it can't possibly make things any worse. If you caught the individual alone and merely asked for feedback and what your "strengths and weaknesses" are and what he/she recommends you do to improve. Say that you're enjoying rotation X, however, questioned if there was anything more you should be doing.

I'd just worry that something nasty is going to come on your eval if you don't bring this up now. If the attending blows you off and says you're doing "fine" then don't sweat it - there is nothing more you can do. If by chance you get railed on your eval AFTER this, then you can totally dispute your grade with the course director and say that you asked for specific feedback and nothing concrete was given.

If you don't talk with the attending and are passive about the whole thing he/she could always play the "well he never made an attempt to contact me about his progress" card. This is just my opinion, but give it some thought. It sounds like there is truly something that this individual doesn't like about you and it's probably best to get to the bottom of it if you don't want your grade to suffer.

VERY GOOD IDEA! I think this crossed my mind a few days ago, but honestly the situation got a bit overwhelming and i just started weirding out and throwing a pity party (you guys were invited!!). That's a great idea...thanks for being level headed! knowing why things have soured will help me with other rotations and may salvage my impression of this one.
wow, thanks!
streetdoc

 

[streetdoc]

Are you a guy while the other students are girls??? I have definitely seen male attendings dote on the female medical students but basically ignore the male students.

kind of funny you ask, but it's the other way around 🙂 i never really thought about a "descrimination" based on sex. i don't think it's that, but i'll be more aware of that tomorrow.
thanks for the insight!
streetdoc

 

[RonaldColeman]

kind of funny you ask, but it's the other way around 🙂 i never really thought about a "descrimination" based on sex. i don't think it's that, but i'll be more aware of that tomorrow.
thanks for the insight!
streetdoc

Well, I've seen it work both ways. I'm sorry that you have to go through this. Sadly, it's all too common during 3rd year. All I can say is thank God for shelf exams, or 3rd year would be a total nightmare grade-wise.

 

[SurgeryChef]

Good luck streetdoc... if you talk to the attending, let us know how it turns out 😀

 

[njbmd]

quick question...or maybe i just need a sympathetic ear.
For 2 weeks I have been a bit concerned that I didn't "click" with my chief and attending on my current service. I'm not too concerned about it (well, obviously i am if i'm posting) but anyway, it has now become more like I'm the "odd man out" and the attending will speak to the other student and not me when "teaching." He will say "good job, ____" and "great differential, _____". On my presentations (which other residents i'm on with say are great), I get nothing except pimped. My intern actually has to say "streetdoc caught a medication error that could have killed the patient" and he said "the nusre would have caught that." (which may be true, but come on)

I have also been passed over twice for good "rare" patients to pick up and both of these have lead to possibilities of write up/submissions.
It's also the chief resident...he will get the back of the other student and say "____ was in a lecture when those labs came back" and was at the required case report to support and, again, get the back of the student. He asked me what time my case report was going to be and then showed up an hour later. That kinda hurt, i admit. I really thought i was reading way too much into it, but the 2 interns approached me (without me mentioning anything) and told me to keep my head up. One of them helped me with my case report and spent time going over patient stuff with me-since i don't really get teaching. one of my patients is going down hill and the chief couldn't careless...about the patient or exploring why with me.

wow, that got long, fast...sorry. i was really just wondering if you guys had ever had this type of stuff happen and what can i do...if anything. just feeling bummed as i had hoped to get a letter from the rotation. I hope this situation changes soon.

thanks,
streetdoc

Hey there,
Unfortunately this happens when you get to the clinical level and in residency too. There will be some senior residents and attendings that you will click with and some that your will not. The thing you have to do is put a positive spin on your situation. If you show that this is getting to you, it has a way of getting worse. My first strategy is to pretend that it is not happening and ignore any favoritism that you perceive. Just act like you are oblivious to it and soon you will be.

The second thing to do is make sure that you are giving your patients and the team 100%. Good work has a way of attracting good vibes. Make sure that you pitch in and help, act courteous to everyone and do your best work. In the end, it is YOUR work ethic that will propel you forward. Keep up with your reading and ask questions when you do not understand something. If the chief keeps ignoring you, keep politely asking your questions. It sounds like the interns recognize what is happening to you and are helping you which is great.

In the future, say for the rest of your career, you are going to consult other physicians that you will not care for personally but you need for your patients. Put them first and stay as professional as possible. I know that this very unprofessional situation that you are in, is getting to you and is very frustrating but forge ahead and be as positive as possible. In the end, you win and your patients win.

Good luck. No matter what, they can't stop the clock and soon this rotation will be over. Give it your best and be the most positive that you can. You WILL get through this and you WILL encounter this in the future so think of this (if nothing else) as practice for those future problems.

njbmd 🙂

 

[SLUser11]

Streetdoc,
Just something to think about, but sometimes attendings/chiefs/etc will be harder on the BETTER student, under the logic that they expect more out of that student than an average one, and the student shouldn't get a pat on the back for knowing/doing something that they're SUPPOSED to know/do. The weaker student sometimes gets applause for smaller victories, and needs constant reinforcement to perform well.

On the other hand, the fact that you are female and the other student is male argues against my theory...at least it would in my hospital....because male attendings almost never practice this "tough love" on girls.

Every time I read "My attending is SO unfair," and "so is the chief" and "the other student is SUCH a gunner!" my theory starts to change.....the more EVIL people I hear about, the more I think the problem might be you and not them.

Either way, BE CAREFUL. I like the idea of asking for feedback, but don't use a "because you've been treating me bad" tone, just an "I'm interested in self-improvement" tone....this might get you better results.

Also be careful of your body language/non-verbal cues that you are frustrated. This seeps through on the wards, and when some unfair thing happens, a student will sigh or roll their eyes, or something even less obvious, and the team will pick up on it. Depending on the rotation, this might make your plight even worse......Good luck.