Residency reflection

Started by N2EM
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N2EM

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10+ Year Member
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Hey guys,

Just wondering what some of you final year (be it at 3 or 4 year programs) guys and gals think about your training in retrospect. Would you chose your program again? Has it been what you expected? Have you worked harder or less than you expected? And at this moment do you feel prepared to enter the cold cruel world? That may be a bit unfair as there are still 8 or so months to go. Just trying to get an idea.

And maybe for those that are out and working, any thoughts looking back? Any regrets?

Thanks!
 
I've been out for a little over a year. There is no doubt in my mind that I would choose to do my residency at the same place again. I learned so much there, and my only regret is that I didn't take full advantage of all the opportunities available there. Unfortunately, there is only so much time available during residency to do such a thing.

I felt well prepared for "attendinghood."
 
I'm out 3 years (I remember when southerndoc interviewed at my program!), and I have done some reflection. I, too, would have taken advantage of more opportunities while I was at my program. Now, there's been a sea change with a new PD, and is much more academic (and on par with the rest of the residency programs - it is Duke, after all), so, apart from the residency co-ördinator, there is no "there" there left for me.
 
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Which opportunities, guys? Like research options or elective time?
Aren't you both in the community? Was there a big jump from residency to community practice (ie less consults/resources/backup)?

Thanks again!
 
I have been out 3.5 years (but two of those years were fellowship... does that count?)

anyway, 3 year program. 2 year fellowship. I have been asked ove rthe years if I would pick my program again, and I have always said yes. And I still would. it was an amazing program and was the exact fit for me.

I will always have an incredibly deep loyalty for my program and those that were there that made it so amazing.

Even now that I am in the land of golden hills. 😀
 
Which opportunities, guys? Like research options or elective time?
Aren't you both in the community? Was there a big jump from residency to community practice (ie less consults/resources/backup)?

Thanks again!
Just about every quality program will have more opportunities than you can take advantage of. Research, international work, EMS field work, faculty/resident development, off-service rotations, and the list goes on. Many of these I took advantage of, but unfortunately time was limited and I couldn't tap into all available resources.
 
Which opportunities, guys? Like research options or elective time?
Aren't you both in the community? Was there a big jump from residency to community practice (ie less consults/resources/backup)?

Thanks again!

I had a good setup, as the group I joined had the university hospital, 2 community hospitals, and a standalone ED. I went from one extreme to the other, weekly.

As for opportunities, to squeeze more out of off-service rotations than I did.
 
I'd go to my program again, no question.

I feel much more prepared now after a year as an attending but that's a natural process. I certainly hope to feel more prepared next year than I do now. If I stop learning I think I'll be in trouble.

Take care,
Jeff