Residency Insecurities

[Jecave]

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So now that the ROL is certified and all that is left is to sit back and wait, I can't help but to feel a little insecure. I applied to Ob/Gyn and I'm convinced I chose the right specialty. However, I find my self wondering if I'll be a good surgeon or if I'll suck at suturing episiotomies etc. Is it common for residents to be to feel so insecure?

 

[gutonc]

Short answer: Yes

Long answer: At this point (when you're not even a resident yet), not being at least somewhat insecure is a bad sign. Not saying you need to lose sleep over this every night, but if you already feel like you've got it all figured out, not only are you wrong, but you're dangerous.

 

[J ROD]

Of course it is natural to be nervous. The key is to use that energy to make yourself better from it and not let it own you.

 

[Law2Doc]

So now that the ROL is certified and all that is left is to sit back and wait, I can't help but to feel a little insecure. I applied to Ob/Gyn and I'm convinced I chose the right specialty. However, I find my self wondering if I'll be a good surgeon or if I'll suck at suturing episiotomies etc. Is it common for residents to be to feel so insecure?

On day one, you WILL suck and SHOULD feel insecure. Six months later you'll be expected to be a lot better.

 

[RangerBob]

If you don't feel insecure and worried as a soon-to be intern (and as a brand new intern), then that's when you should actually be worried (those are the interns the program directors are going to be worried about).

I always tell medical students the time to be "stupid" and ask stupid questions is while they're learning. It's expected you won't know everything, and often what you think is a dumb question is the exact question others have (though obviously don't ask a question that's really easy to look up). You don't want to be a PGY2 (and eventually an attending)and still have those stupid questions running around in your head because you were too nervous to look stupid and ask for help.