old grad needs help

[psymed]

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I'm an older IMG and will be starting psych residency this July. I will be starting with 4 mths of IM and 2 mths of Neuro......

I'm really worried that I'll end up looking stupid in front of everyone. I've worked really hard to come this far but just feel that I lack as far as knowledge goes.

I'm reviewing EKGs from Dubin and also plan on reviewing key stuff from Wash Manual or MGH. Am I on the right track? What should I do? I've read horror stories about residents getting terminated. Don't want that to happen to me.

 

[ronin12]

well one thing you should remember you are entering residency training program and it means they will train you to become a doctor, only thing they expect from you is hard work and to not be afraid of asking questions if you are unsure what to do.They are not expecting attending's knowledge from a resident, but they do expect responsibility, hard work and thoroughness of your evaluations . for initial management/treatment recommendations, always keep small handbooks of IM and neurology i.e on call IM etc.They are used for for quick reference and there are many of them in market so it will be good idea to ask residents who have done these rotations. There are always back up senior resident available in case of uncertainties and difficult cases.
American system of training is very realistic and pragmatic , if you dont know something there is nothing to be ashamed off , no one does, but it is irresponsible not to look for answers in handbooks, asking seniors/attending and showing your personal interest in learning.

Again the key to success is hard work, responsible behavior. I am sure if you behave in this manner within 2 to 3 weeks you will overcome initial difficult phase of understanding the system.
another important thing is to understand the basics of US health system i.e requesting for consults from specialties, social work, psychiatry,pt privacy issues, pt consent and family issues on medical floor etc. so pay attention to these issues as they are part and parcel of medicine in USA. It is a classic textbook practice of medicine,neurology and psychiatry etc.
I am sure you will do fine with hard work,dedication and proper time allocation for reading. good luck with your training and remember the more you learn more you enjoy being a doctor.

 

[psymed]

Thank you ronin 12. That makes me feel so much better. I'm all about hardwork. I guess I have been inviting distress lately by reading about termination of residents. I should probably stay away from those kind of posts for now.

 

[whopper]

Termination of residents is rare. It does happen, happens worse in malingnant programs, but I wouldn't worry about it unless you have specific reason to worry.

Unless you did your IM months years ago, you're probably actually ahead of your colleagues in that area. As for psychiatry, you're probably very close to your colleagues since they have 0 psychiatry residency experience.

 

[ronin12]

Thank you ronin 12. That makes me feel so much better. I'm all about hardwork. I guess I have been inviting distress lately by reading about termination of residents. I should probably stay away from those kind of posts for now.

No need to worry at all, key is asking for help at the earliest if you are unsure and case is serious. pocket reading at work and during leisure time, quick references are way of life in residency, esp IM or neurology. There are no geniuses in residency more or less we are all at same level , only difference is hard work and dedication, you will shine if you are used to it.
if you have time please keep us posted with your experiences so others might get help from it.

 

[psymed]

Thank you guys for all your supportive advice. I actually met with a PGY-1 2008 psych resident yesterday from another program who also told me the same thing. I feel very reassured and positive.

For my IM and Neurology rotation my program is going to ship me to another program which unfortunately has appeared on the "malignant list" on some of the forums. Still trying to figure out what that means. I did a year of interneship in my country before coming hear and have worked 30 hours straight with Q3 calls. Wasn't fun but it didn't kill me. I guess I'll find out.