How to do well in away-rotations?

[coralfangs]

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Not talking about the typical "work hard, know your stuff" issues, but I am talking about how to quickly familiarize yourself with the new systems (how things work, the new electronic record software, etc)?

For those of you who have done it, what's your take on this?

Reason I'm asking is that I realize that some doctors are quite unforgiving for not being familiarized with the hospital. For instance, I rotated at this service last month and just got my feedbacks back from some of the docs. A couple of them commented on how much more efficient I was in comparison to the rotating AI. The major reason obviously is that I have used the system and have been running to labs, making calls for a month at the hospital prior to rotating at that service.
I just don't want to be that AI when I am doing my away rotations.

You know what I'm saying?

 

[ZagDoc]

Ask a lot of questions the first few days when you have leeway. You see a resident filling out a form, ask how to do it properly, so next time you can do it for the team. Stay late the first few days and figure out how to navigate the EMR or paper chart so the next morning you know where to look.

But really, as long as you have a system for the mornings (which it sounds like you do), the medical record may be different, but your system isn't. You'll figure out quickly where to find labs, notes, etc.

Really, doing well on aways is all about being proactive and anticipating the team's needs. If you can anticipate work and get it done ahead of time, you're getting honors, as long as your clinical knowledge is "adequate". Simple as that.

 

[coralfangs]

that's what I assume.

Perhaps, the AI simply screwed up his chance to shine.