Residency in a boring area

[partypat]

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I’m in an IM residency in a pretty quiet suburban area with not too much to do. It's much quieter than I'm used to since I did medical school in a fun city. My coresidents are all nice and seem decently social it's just kind of tough to acclimate to considering most of my other medical school friends matched in cities. I really like my program and ranked it high because it's about an hour away from my family, but I didn't realize how much of an adjustment it would be. Anyone else been in a similar situation?

 

[BoardingDoc]

I’m in an IM residency in a pretty quiet suburban area with not too much to do. It's much quieter than I'm used to since I did medical school in a fun city. My coresidents are all nice and seem decently social it's just kind of tough to acclimate to considering most of my other medical school friends matched in cities. I really like my program and ranked it high because it's about an hour away from my family, but I didn't realize how much of an adjustment it would be. Anyone else been in a similar situation?

I had a similar experience but on the opposite end of things (residency in city, med school in the burbs). Short answer is you get used to it. There are definite pros and cons to both. By the time you're looking for an attending gig (or fellowship) you'll probably know which you prefer.

 

[candbgirl]

Didn’t you know this when you applied/ranked? You’ll be busy and you’ve only been there a few weeks. Are any of your coresidents from the area/extended area? Worse case is you figure it out for the next few years and then move on.

 

[Obnoxious Dad]

I’m in an IM residency in a pretty quiet suburban area with not too much to do. It's much quieter than I'm used to since I did medical school in a fun city. My coresidents are all nice and seem decently social it's just kind of tough to acclimate to considering most of my other medical school friends matched in cities. I really like my program and ranked it high because it's about an hour away from my family, but I didn't realize how much of an adjustment it would be. Anyone else been in a similar situation?

If you have time on your hands, learn to play a musical instrument, learn a sport like golf or tennis or get yourself in the best possible physical shape.

 

[Saddleshoes]

(This comment is coming from a guy that grew up in 5 different states before college.)

Is it boring because it's not home or a college town that you are familiar with?
There are thousands of people living in that same town that are having a great time. You need to get out of your confined world and meet some of the locals. How do yo do that?

Get off the phone with old friends and plug into your new community. Have the local newspaper delivered and start reading it. Make new friends. Get to know your neighbors. Look into the history of your new town. Go to the local community theater and see a show OR join the troop. Develop a supports system of the local shop keepers, the local dentist, the local bar tender, the health club workers, etc. Go to church in your new neighborhood. Find the local bike club and go for a ride. Check out the local museums. Volunteer with _____. Etc. etc. etc.

 

[Groove]

I’m in an IM residency in a pretty quiet suburban area with not too much to do. It's much quieter than I'm used to since I did medical school in a fun city. My coresidents are all nice and seem decently social it's just kind of tough to acclimate to considering most of my other medical school friends matched in cities. I really like my program and ranked it high because it's about an hour away from my family, but I didn't realize how much of an adjustment it would be. Anyone else been in a similar situation?

It's a means to an end. Plus, how much free time should you honestly have during residency? I don't feel like I had that much... Find a gym, or some local activities that you enjoy. Carve out some time with family and make the drive. Find someone to date that will be accepting of your schedule. You might even get a pet. Before you know it, residency will be over and you'll can go live anywhere. You'll be fine.

 

[partypat]

It's a means to an end. Plus, how much free time should you honestly have during residency? I don't feel like I had that much... Find a gym, or some local activities that you enjoy. Carve out some time with family and make the drive. Find someone to date that will be accepting of your schedule. You might even get a pet. Before you know it, residency will be over and you'll can go live anywhere. You'll be fine.

This is true, I've definitely been bonding with my coresidents on time off and am taking advantage of hiking and running trails to get into better shape. Will definitely look into outside hobbies away from medicine so that I have something else to do outside of that bubble.