Therapy while on rotations?

[garrettp]

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MS-3, on core rotations now. Recently, I’ve noticed that I’m starting to exhibit signs of depression, and it’s really putting a damper on my quality of life. I’d like to start seeing a therapist before things get out of hand, but I don’t see how that would be possible when I have 10+ hour rotation shifts every day. My school doesn’t allow time off during rotations for anything other than medical emergencies, board exams, and deaths of immediate family members. I’m also reluctant to try to make a special request to take time off to see a therapist because of the stigma surrounding mental illness.

For those of you who’ve seen a therapist while on rotations, how did you make it work? What sort of arrangements did you have to make?

 

[sloop]

Assuming that your school is LCME accredited, they have to allow you time for therapy. They themselves should have a procedure for this.

Standard 12.4 of the LCME Standards for Accreditation reads:

A medical school provides its medical students with timely access to needed diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic health services at sites in reasonable proximity to the locations of their required educational experiences and has policies and procedures in place that permit students to be excused from these experiences to seek needed care.​

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I would probably tell the appropriate dean at your med school that you have regular medical appointments that you will need to attend and see what they say. You shouldn’t be required to divulge your personal medical information to them, and they shouldn’t ask. If they do, I think you could just respectfully say something like “I’m sorry but that’s kind of a private matter and I’d rather not discuss the specifics.”

 

[WhittyPsyche]

MS-3, on core rotations now. Recently, I’ve noticed that I’m starting to exhibit signs of depression, and it’s really putting a damper on my quality of life. I’d like to start seeing a therapist before things get out of hand, but I don’t see how that would be possible when I have 10+ hour rotation shifts every day. My school doesn’t allow time off during rotations for anything other than medical emergencies, board exams, and deaths of immediate family members. I’m also reluctant to try to make a special request to take time off to see a therapist because of the stigma surrounding mental illness.

For those of you who’ve seen a therapist while on rotations, how did you make it work? What sort of arrangements did you have to make?

Agree with prior poster. There should be options on campus. If you feel comfortable there.

Alternatively, if you have the funds to self pay or your insurance covers it you could try some of the online therapy subscription based services. That way you can utilize a flexible schedule with regular sessions.

 

[Mass Effect]

MS-3, on core rotations now. Recently, I’ve noticed that I’m starting to exhibit signs of depression, and it’s really putting a damper on my quality of life. I’d like to start seeing a therapist before things get out of hand, but I don’t see how that would be possible when I have 10+ hour rotation shifts every day. My school doesn’t allow time off during rotations for anything other than medical emergencies, board exams, and deaths of immediate family members. I’m also reluctant to try to make a special request to take time off to see a therapist because of the stigma surrounding mental illness.

For those of you who’ve seen a therapist while on rotations, how did you make it work? What sort of arrangements did you have to make?

The school doesn't have a choice. It's a medical appointment. You do not have to reveal any details. With so many telehealth options, it shouldn't take too much time away from your work. But if it does, you can always schedule it for the evenings or weekends. Many therapists work odd hours for people who work during the day. Look around and see who you find.

 

[deleted1100659]

ive had medical students miss their rotation days with me (back when I had students as a resident) for the most ridiculous reason. Yours is valid and I think most people would be understanding. I remember I had one girl who didnt want to be there past 3 because "psychiatry is supposed to be the chill rotation".

 

[Mass Effect]

ive had medical students miss their rotation days with me (back when I had students as a resident) for the most ridiculous reason. Yours is valid and I think most people would be understanding. I remember I had one girl who didnt want to be there past 3 because "psychiatry is supposed to be the chill rotation".

Only in psychiatry could you (sometimes) get away with that. My psych rotation as an MS-3 started super early. My attending was an early bird. He expected us to get to the hospital by 7 am because he counted on leaving no later than 1 pm. There were many days we left by 10 or 11 am.

 

[7331poas]

ive had medical students miss their rotation days with me (back when I had students as a resident) for the most ridiculous reason. Yours is valid and I think most people would be understanding. I remember I had one girl who didnt want to be there past 3 because "psychiatry is supposed to be the chill rotation".

completely fair reason

 

[Redpancreas]

MS-3, on core rotations now. Recently, I’ve noticed that I’m starting to exhibit signs of depression, and it’s really putting a damper on my quality of life. I’d like to start seeing a therapist before things get out of hand, but I don’t see how that would be possible when I have 10+ hour rotation shifts every day. My school doesn’t allow time off during rotations for anything other than medical emergencies, board exams, and deaths of immediate family members. I’m also reluctant to try to make a special request to take time off to see a therapist because of the stigma surrounding mental illness.

For those of you who’ve seen a therapist while on rotations, how did you make it work? What sort of arrangements did you have to make?

You find someone 1.) out of pocket who does 2.) virtual sessions 3.) after hours. #2/3 usually go together. Therapy is like Adderall. It helps anyone regardless of whether you have the condition you're being treated for...but it is also healthy and has long term benefits. Just do it.