Program Coordinator

[Ariee]

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How do you deal with a rude/mean/abrupt/prejudice PC?

I don't want to fully dwelve into my particular circumstance, but IMHO, this individual is quick to jump on my back. The PD and residents are very nice though, I just don't care much for the PC (in my books she is prejudice until proven otherwise- d/t her comments).

Your opinions?

Thank you!
A

 

[Frugal Traveler]

prn chocolate and sucking up.

Seriously, administrative staff are some of the most under-appreciated people in the world, but they can easily break you in half although most people do not realize that they have immense power. I would be extremely nice, apologize for anything you have done even if you have done everything right, and in general just be conciliatory.

 

[tetris]

I agree with Frugal Traveler. Consider it a formality, but one that must be done. The PC is part of the residency family - very close with the PD, faculty, and residents. They'll ALL talk about you after the interview.

 

[tetris]

Just to add: I think Frugal Traveler was kidding about chocolate. Right?

I've been advised to do it, but I think it's a "cheap shot" that no PC would ever fall for.

 

[Ariee]

prn chocolate and sucking up.

Seriously, administrative staff are some of the most under-appreciated people in the world, but they can easily break you in half although most people do not realize that they have immense power. I would be extremely nice, apologize for anything you have done even if you have done everything right, and in general just be conciliatory.

I agree with Frugal Traveler. Consider it a formality, but one that must be done. The PC is part of the residency family - very close with the PD, faculty, and residents. They'll ALL talk about you after the interview.

Thanks Frugal & tetris, I agree with you both and I know. I'm actually over it, the incident has been happening for the past month with the most outright rudest comment today, but I just ignored and smiled. It's actually really getting under my skin and upsetting me, b/c the nature of the comments are really childish, silly and unprofessional. I tend to be a more humble person and the PC rubs me the wrong way b/c I find her EXTREMELY rude... Thanks again 🙁

 

[motoo]

i'm in favor of letting things play out as they may and not sucking up to her or apologizing for stuff you haven't done. she's the one who's being rude, not you. yes she might hold sway in where your application goes but that doesn't mean you have to lower your self-respect to get where you want

 

[SouthernSurgeon]

We had a meeting to talk about the whole interview/application process and had a faculty member answering questions. Someone in my class basically asked "what happens if you have a personality conflict?" on your interview day. Now I think he was talking about an actual interviewer, but the advice this faculty member gave was the same: "Don't"

You have to interact with this person for what, a few minutes or hours or days? Suck it up, get along. Don't do or say anything that could piss them off. They may be a huge pain in the butt, or prejudiced as you say (though I doubt it). It doesn't matter. You have too much invested in this process to let some petty conflict get in the way. Play nice and get through it.

 

[synapse lapse]

We had a meeting to talk about the whole interview/application process and had a faculty member answering questions. Someone in my class basically asked "what happens if you have a personality conflict?" on your interview day. Now I think he was talking about an actual interviewer, but the advice this faculty member gave was the same: "Don't"

You have to interact with this person for what, a few minutes or hours or days? Suck it up, get along. Don't do or say anything that could piss them off. They may be a huge pain in the butt, or prejudiced as you say (though I doubt it). It doesn't matter. You have too much invested in this process to let some petty conflict get in the way. Play nice and get through it.

Actually you will have to continue to interact with them for the duration of your residency. The PC has other roles aside from scheduling applicants for interviews. In any case, I would say it depends on the situation, but almost universally you should suck it up and avoid a conflict with this person. Obviously if this person was using racial slurs, cussing at you, etc. they would definitely deserve a word.

 

[SouthernSurgeon]

Actually you will have to continue to interact with them for the duration of your residency. The PC has other roles aside from scheduling applicants for interviews. In any case, I would say it depends on the situation, but almost universally you should suck it up and avoid a conflict with this person. Obviously if this person was using racial slurs, cussing at you, etc. they would definitely deserve a word.

Yes I realize that...I just meant in the context of the application process

 

[Doctor Bagel]

i'm in favor of letting things play out as they may and not sucking up to her or apologizing for stuff you haven't done. she's the one who's being rude, not you. yes she might hold sway in where your application goes but that doesn't mean you have to lower your self-respect to get where you want

Being professional and courteous to everyone isn't sucking up.

 

[motoo]

Being professional and courteous to everyone isn't sucking up.

and I never said as much. be professional and courteous to everyone as you should.

but to go out of your way to be 'conciliatory' with someone who is insulting you to your face is sucking up in my book. Let them be. don't change yourself because of it

 

[Ariee]

i think i found a solution to my own problem, common interest, is the winner...

i have remained professional and courteous throughout. i think this is a quality intrinsic to most of us by this point in time (or at least hopefully so). i thought about asking the PC face to face what was up, but have been pretty successful at ignoring said comments...

i'm just curious to know why the said individual is so rude, but i don't care to invest any further time into it...not worth it 🙂

thanks y'all, take care and g'luck,
A 😉

They may be a huge pain in the butt, or prejudiced as you say (though I doubt it).

Thanks for the great advice as always...

 

[SouthernSurgeon]

Thanks for the great advice as always...

Sure thing...that's what I get for trying to be sincere with you.

I'm actually just glad you chickened out of applying for g-surg.

 

[Ariee]

Sure thing...that's what I get for trying to be sincere with you.

I'm actually just glad you chickened out of applying for g-surg.

Dear SouthernIM,

There is no need to follow me around from post to post and make silly and unprofessional comments.

AND, for the record, I did not chicken out of applying to GS. My 250+ board scores, extensive leadership and research pubs are no reason to chicken out. I don't understand why some med-students and professionals are so cruel to each other (is it an ego thing?). I don't classify chosing my significant other and family over the demanding nature of GS (physical and mental stamina), which I don't wish to invest, as "chickening out." I have a lot of PRIDE for chosing IM (yay, IMer's!) and I know I'll satisfy my procedure urge in IM as I'm not a die-hard, have to be in the OR kinda gal, like my relatives who are PRS & GS...

Thanks as always for your comments, SouthernIM....it's harmful to carry a grudge, just let it go.

I wish you the best of luck in this match season.

Kindest regards,
A 😉

 

[SouthernSurgeon]

Dear SouthernIM,

There is no need to follow me around from post to post and make silly and unprofessional comments.

Actually, I tried to give you some real advice based on what faculty at my med school had told me; you were the one to make a "silly" reply. My mistake for trying to answer you with sincerity; I won't make it again.

 

[smq123]

The responsible thing on BOTH of your parts (yes, I'm including you in this Ariee) would be to stop posting and let it go. This sarcasm/CV one-up-manship/more sarcasm is getting annoying.

Rather than let this back-and-forth bickering continue, I'm closing this thread. If any of the other posters have any questions pertaining to this issue, they can start their own thread.