Lab Rats and former lab rats...

[TXSurgResident]

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T-Minus a little over four months until going back over the knife after a two year hiatus...

Ideas on how to hit the ground running vis-a-vis actual operating?
What was hardest for people when they went back?
Anything specific you would have gone over again or practiced before returning?
I'm jazzed, but a little tired of hearing people telling me "Oh it comes right back to you after a few weeks"

thx!

 

[njbmd]

The hardest thing for me was just getting into the routine of being on a service again. I started back as the chief on the Transplant Service and I felt such pain when the clock went off at 4AM on that first morning and I was in running mode until 7pm that night. The sheer exhaustion of the rotation took about a week to wear off.

My skills didn't suffer that much because it was like riding a bicycle. As soon as I hopped back on, things felt familiar. While we were in the lab, we covered during holidays so that we were not completely "out of the loop" when it came to working. I also scrubbed a case here and there when the opportunity presented itself (when my lab attending was doing something of interest). I also did loads of microsurgery while in the lab which was helpful too.

 

[jdm51]

I spent 3 years in research....

I recommend just saying "It's been X years since I operated." That way you look like a natural if you can still tie a knot.

Seriously it comes right back to you.

 

[tussy]

It really does come right back to you.

The hardest part is the hours. The early morning and all day running takes some getting used to again. Also, not having any control over your schedule.

Don't stress too much about it. And the disclaimer that you've been in the lab is always good.

You could try to pick up a few call shifts to get back into the saddle if you're so inclined, but probably not necessary.

 

[Winged Scapula]

Good to know...I haven't operated since I finished fellowship (damn credentialing and getting on insurance plans).

 

[mayostand]

anyone with feedback regarding programs that have lab time after PGY2 versus after PGY3? Any difference with having a year of good operating under your belt before lab, or does it still not make a difference when you come back? one of the programs i'm considering in my rank list has research after PGY3 which is not what most programs seem to do.

 

[SocialistMD]

anyone with feedback regarding programs that have lab time after PGY2 versus after PGY3? Any difference with having a year of good operating under your belt before lab, or does it still not make a difference when you come back? one of the programs i'm considering in my rank list has research after PGY3 which is not what most programs seem to do.

Our program usually does it after 2nd year, but some do it after 3rd. I think the hardest thing about going back as an R-4 is that you are the chief of your service and haven't really managed patients in a couple of years. The operating is, in my opinion, easier to reinstate.

 

[Blade28]

Good to know...I haven't operated since I finished fellowship (damn credentialing and getting on insurance plans).

What? I didn't realize that! 😱

I still have another 17 months left in the lab!

 

[Winged Scapula]

What? I didn't realize that! 😱

Yep...I've been meaning, in my free time, to write a lengthy thread about "What they don't teach you in residency" which will include of course the ridiculousness of credential verification (every hospital does it independently, gathering the same information), getting on staff and insurance policies, etc.

Unless you start the process in January you may not be able to start work on July 1 after fellowship is over. Some insurance plans take a year to get on. I didn't take the job until May, get my AZ license until the end of August, and insurance and hospital credentialing didn't start until November.

I just found out today, from a patient, that I was on Humana. I'm listed on their website as a preferred specialist provider. They never bothered to send me notification...they just "send them out when we get a batch of new doctors" or so I was told when I called to say "WTF"? Huh...it would have been nice to tell me that I've been on for 6 weeks; I've been turning patients away.😡

Its been a very exhausting process to say the least.

 

[Blade28]

Yeah that's terrible!

I'm only just now signing a new moonlighting contract at a hospital where I first applied back in JULY. Painful.

 

[TXSurgResident]

Yep...I've been meaning, in my free time, to write a lengthy thread about "What they don't teach you in residency" which will include of course the ridiculousness of credential verification (every hospital does it independently, gathering the same information), getting on staff and insurance policies, etc.

Sounds like a good idea!