Pearls and Secrets for New CA-1's

[powermd]

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I think it would be great if the experienced readers of the forum could present some hints/tips/pearls/secrets/whatever that might be helpful to those of us starting CA-1 in July. I would be particularly intereseted in any techniques you used to memorize all the drugs, their dosages, the dose ranges, how they're mixed up.. etc, because it all seems pretty daunting and rote. I'm sure it gets easier as you begin to use each drug, but if there are any ways of organizing and thinking about the information to be learned that is not immediatly obvious, I think that would be very helpful to know.

 

[militarymd]

I'll tell you what I told 5 years worth of CA-1s and SRNAs.

1) be on time....that means 15 minutes before you're expected to show up
2) call your attending the night before with your pre-op if possible
3) use a checklist (literally)...you will get rid of it in a few weeks.
4) ask questions. Don't worry about looking or sounding stupid, because you will. We attendings sit in our offices and talk about the stupid things that residents do and laugh our heads off.
5) be on time... that means 15 minutes before you're expected to show up
6) read
7) read
8) read
9) read

 

[jetproppilot]

I think it would be great if the experienced readers of the forum could present some hints/tips/pearls/secrets/whatever that might be helpful to those of us starting CA-1 in July. I would be particularly intereseted in any techniques you used to memorize all the drugs, their dosages, the dose ranges, how they're mixed up.. etc, because it all seems pretty daunting and rote. I'm sure it gets easier as you begin to use each drug, but if there are any ways of organizing and thinking about the information to be learned that is not immediatly obvious, I think that would be very helpful to know.

Like Military said, the most important things are to be on time and to be interested. Nobody expects you to be UT Southwestern Jr. during your CA-1 year. Being deft at everything at the CA-1 level is not expected. What IS expected is a good work ethic, minimal complaining, motivation to learn, and the ability to be a team player. Remember, residency is a marathon, not a sprint.

 

[UTSouthwestern]

Like Military said, the most important things are to be on time and to be interested. Nobody expects you to be UT Southwestern Jr. during your CA-1 year. Being deft at everything at the CA-1 level is not expected. What IS expected is a good work ethic, minimal complaining, motivation to learn, and the ability to be a team player. Remember, residency is a marathon, not a sprint.

I echo what the man just said. Always be a team player and don't whine. Can't stand it when I hear someone whining about why they are still in the hospital when everyone has already left.