Trying to Process My 1st Week of Med School Rotations | ND MD

Week 1 of clinical rotations (and I guess technically 3rd year of med school now?) is in the books. The most mentally, physically, and emotionally humbling experience I have ever had so far, but I have learned so much more in just a few days than several weeks could have taught me in pre-clerkship. The attending and residents weren't mean at all, but this experience quickly allows you to sympathize with just how hard the entire medical team works to make sure that patients get the best care possible. Just a quick check in talk/reflection video from some of the lessons I learned, hoping to help those about to enter this new stage of medical training know what to expect.

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Disclaimer: This video features personal opinions and does not reflect or support the official opinions or initiatives of Augusta University or the Medical College of Georgia. This video is also not a substitute for the advice of a properly qualified and licensed physician or healthcare provider. The content featured is for informational/entertainment purposes only. Please see your primary care physician for the most accurate information. For the most accurate and up to date information regarding specific programs or schools, please refer to their official .edu websites.

[giorgi]

It’s all going to be worth it. And thank you from the bottom of my heart for filming this process, the work itself is exhausting, filming and editing on top of that must be very difficult, but trust me your work is much appreciated ❤️

[LJStability]

Hey man, I'm on my second to last rotation right now (in OB matter of fact!). What you are going through is normal. I haven't gotten yelled at by an attending yet; the roughest was one of the surgery department chairs who was more critical at two particular circumstances. But it turned out she was just like that.

Second, some residents are just assholes; straight up, no way to cut it either way. The worst experiences on rotations is when people lie to you about your performance. At my institution, this was particularly the case with pediatrics. And sadly, it's a major reason why people didn't go into the specialty at least for me. But use that experience to know how your want to practice and what you don't like. The biggest lesson I learned in the clinic is always read studies. Too many residents and attendings think they know more based on their clinical experience alone and look foolish when they don't keep up with the medical literature. You aren't God; you need to remain humble and critical of what people say. Always ask why. Sometimes, you will be surprised that even attendings don't know the answer.

Third, be flexible. The stereotype of presentations changes week by week, residents by resident, and attending by attending. I don't like the fact that we are taught one way in medical school to be thorough when that doesn't help at all in the clinic. Presentations are the hardest part of medicine. The best thing to do is ask for the major questions and make your own inpatient and outpatient template. Even Amazon has some good premade H and Ps that I use, especially in the ER when you need a full H and P.

Fourth, be aggressive with doing questions more than flashcards. Do as many questions as you can beyond just UWorld and do your next rotation's questions ahead of time. I can't tell you how this made surgery so much easier for me than it could have been.

Lastly, be thankful no one has died yet on your OB rotation. I've honestly seen more deaths in OB than on any rotation. I had a woman last week at 16 lose her fetus at 39 weeks. It was the worst day in medical school and that is saying a lot. But when you do have those days, don't clam up. You will be surprised at how even non-medical friends can be a huge support. Just because they don't know what it's like personally, doesn't mean they can't draw from their own experiences. And don't be afraid to just relax and get some good food. It takes awhile to process these events. The main lesson I learned was being diligent in my history and physicals. Because it's very easy to make that one mistake that gets someone killed. And that was the main lesson the resident I was with mentioned. These are good experiences to have even if they are tragic. Knowing that your actions do have consequences makes you realize that knowing guidelines, reading papers, and knowing the literature really gives you a leg up at protecting people.

You got this brother. Kick ass and keep at it. Best thing to do is to bring aspects of your home to work. Whether it's nice music, a book, or even doing your studies at the hospital, don't waste time. The more you take use of every opportunity, including publishing opportunities, the better off you will be. Also, don't forget to do your practice NBME questions online. Those are really helpful to know what the actual exam will be like.

[JakeGoodmanMD]

Loved this video man. One day soon, you’ll be the resident and you’ll have Med students on your team, coming in confused and anxious. And you’ll remember how much it means to simply say hi, introduce yourself, and make them comfortable. OB was one of the toughest times in all 4 years of Med School for me. Keep trucking 🙏🏼

[NDMD]

Truly thank you from the bottom of my heart to all the attendings and residents I have worked with for your patience as I learn. You’re such a vital part of the physician I will become :)

Before I get any comments about this, please do not misunderstand this as complaining of getting “yelled” at (it’s not that bad) or getting corrected for my early attempts at being helpful. None of it is personal and if you listen to the whole story, all the tough love is rooted in genuine care for the patients we care for. You never know what someone is going through, and that includes the doctors and patients. So be kind to everyone, it could change their day

[musicaenel]

I’m a graduated pre med student who looks up to you guys a lot. I know it’s hard bc some physicians can be very rude to incoming students but take this as a lesson on how not to treat students. We can be a new generation of physicians that will take care of our incoming students and help them out bc we understand how much pressure it is. You’re going to do great, we’re rooting for you!

[acumen]

I've been there. Did it. In my 9th year of surgical training. It only gets worse. You'll look back and long for those 12 hour days and reminisce on how easy life was and how much free time you had. Each step theres less handholding and more expectations that you just understand and do it. At the same time, it gets better with each year. There's going to be bad days and worse days, but in between will be gems. We all did it, you can too.

[zohaahmer]

The fact that u take out time to read and react to as many comments as possible whilst grinding shows how kind, humble and devoted you are... more power to you man

[ericdidomenico]

I found the perfect way to deal with stressful times is to smile. Being kind to others is the perfect way to lighten your own mood. Thank you and good luck during this journey

[mandymorrow]

As a 23-year-old patient with a birth defect and has been in the hospital just as often as I am home, you're doing great! I always love it when there's a student or new assistant during a shift because I love being able to talk to them and tell them about my birth defect or other chronic illnesses because I know there's very little teaching about it. (I have Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus.)

[do.onwheels]

Just finished my first rotation today (surgery) - at the hospital most days around 5 or 5:30. Our residents were freaking rockstars, particularly the new interns. Very supportive, wanted to teach, and included us in a lot of stuff. Kinda lucked out being surrounded by amazing people including the scrub techs and even the patient transporters. I’m off to IM next, good luck with your next block 🤙

[suellensa]

Hey Andy! One of the ob residents here! I never got to work with you, but you are absolutely right. Don’t blame yourself. It’s a difficult task for all of us involved. Sometimes we are so busy and sleep deprived that we forget simple human interaction. You’re probably doing great! When people aren’t the nicest, even attendings to myself, it’s rarely if ever really that they are upset with me but rather something else going on and so they have little grace/time left to give. Keep pushing! You got this, and you’re gonna do great! You’ll eventually get into the groove of third year and figure out how to study best and how to manage your sleep and fatigue. Wish you all the best!

[alanho]

I was in your position 13 yrs ago. I cried many tears that year. Things will get better. Hang in there

[sarahw]

As a pediatric neurology fellow, I love that you have a good reflex hammer! We all must remember what it is like to be a medical student and I think we have to treat each other no matter what level with respect and kindness because we are a team! Keep up the hard work!

[RhondaElle]

So Cool to hear about your rotation! I'm a survivor of uterine cancer. I LOVED my Gyn/Onc! He is the kindest, gentlest, Dr. I have ever had. He puts patients first! Always spends time talking with me before my cancer follow-ups to make sure I'm comfortable before the exam. (I hate being examined) His bedside manner, inspired me to go back to school (after 30 years) to work in healthcare. ( He has been super supportive and encouraging about that as well) Considering PA School now, but just started working as a phlebotomist in a hospital. I LOVE it! I love seeing patients everyday, even if it is at 5am! ( I do morning trays) Hope you have a better experience with your attending than the first week. And remember, us Cancer patient's are terrified!!! It might become old hat to you, but it's NOT to us! We need you to be calm, kind and CONFIDENT that you have an answer for our fears.

[indigenoustw]

Hey man, you can do it. I went through residency as an OMFS. I remember getting thrown into anesthesia, ED, internal med, plastic, and trauma rotations without really knowing much. It forced me to adapt and conquer, which later became an important set of skills to succeed in my residency. Stay humble and be a sponge. Soak up as much as you can while you are still a student. Getting yelled at was part of my experience but it had made me a much better upper level since I didn't want to victimize my lower levels by yelling at them lol Focusing on the end goal had pulled me through and I knew everything would be worth it once I was there. And trust me, you will be there, too. Enjoy!

[patrickj.]

I actually got teary eyed watching this. Thanks for sharing, youre going to be a great doctor. I hope to be where you are one day! Congrats on how far you've come 👌🏻

[isdenn]

This is the tempering part of your training, where you are being changed from a medical student to a physician. It’s great to hear you embracing it. You hit the nail on the head - be helpful, anticipate needs, be kind to everyone, whether or not they’re grading you. Much love - you’ll be looking back on these days fondly too soon

[rossismusic]

I'm a PGY3 now, but I still remember the first year of my clinical rotations. It's tough man, it really is. But you make it through, it breaks you and then it builds you. And it definitely gets better. Keep it up!

[theoldone]

Oh god, you had to start with one of the hardest rotations of one of the most demanding specialties. 'God bless you child' is spot on. I'm glad you feel like it was a decent week. The attending who was frustrated shouldn't have made you feel bad, but it won't be the last time someone is unfair to you. You should never be abused, but people will sometimes be discourteous. I think you have the right attitude. The patient comes first, but you rank right up there, too! Your well-being is important and something to focus on. Good luck! I'm rooting for you.

[ShaunAndersen]

Congrats on finishing your first week on rotations! 🥳