Just wanna ask you guys if Introverted socially awkward types can make it through 3rd&4th year?

[EMDO2018]

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Hopefully they can. Hopefully I can🙁

 

[yehhhboiii]

...

 

[DrBowtie]

Hopefully they can. Hopefully I can🙁

They can, but they typically don't fit with EM.

 

[KnuxNole]

You can be introverted and be fine. If you are laid back, and friendly, you'll have no problem. As far as social awkwardness, if you act friendly, you'll warm up to people, and be fine. You usually work with a small group of people on rotations, so it's easier to open up and be yourself compared to a mob of 100-200 students which can be scurry. I'm introverted, and got along with everyone. I like to interact with people, and know that when I get home, I can recharge. Also, nights/early morning time is usually nice...it's quiet and peaceful 🙂

Personally, I greatly dislike overly loud talkative people who spit out verbal diarrhea haha. Maybe not dislike...more like they drain me. There were med students like that, who when they talk usually raise their voice(like they want to hear the sound of them talking) and go on for 20 minutes. I usually talk when there is something important/interesting to say, so needless to say, they were confused why I would sit peacefully with headphones reading :/

 

[crimsonkid85]

Totally agree with KnuxNole. I'm reclusive by nature, but you just have to know when to force yourself to be engaging and social.

 

[Stellar Clouds]

Be advised...sometimes being too quiet/reserved can be misinterpreted as disinterest by the residents/attendings.

 

[operaman]

Yes you absolutely can, though you may have to make a bit of an effort to be slightly more outgoing than normal. Just appear interested and ask good questions at appropriate times and you'll be fine. If you ask people questions about themselves and their opinions, they'll talk for hours without you having to say a word and they'll think you're the easiest person in the world to talk to. I'm moderately introverted and have found this trick invaluable through the years whenever I felt too drained to be social.

One other piece of advice an attending passed on to me when I was a 2nd year that has served me well since: no matter what happens, stay in the circle. You don't necessarily have to say anything while there, but don't be the student who stands away outside the circle apart from the conversation. Sometimes it's really tempting, especially if it's one of those days where you feel like a complete idiot after doing/saying something truly stupid, but fight your nature and stay in the circle.

 

[JediZero]

Just remember to be adorably awkward! Goes over much better.

 

[HelpPleaseMD]

Hopefully they can. Hopefully I can🙁

lol. yes you can. If you make an effort to know the patients well and learn throughout the rotation you will do well. Think through how you are going to present the patient, before you present to the attending during rounds. Try and make a clear and logical presentation and be an active member of the team. As long as you are not mute, or appear angry/disinterested, you will be fine if you follow the above.