Starting residency itself is difficult. Starting residency during a global pandemic is something no one could have prepared for. Thankfully I am at a program and a hospital that cares about not only the residents but also staff, attending physicians, and most importantly their patients. There are various protocols in place along with protective equipment to keep everyone safe. What I appreciated from our orientation facilitators was that they asked us to express our questions and concerns regarding starting residency during a pandemic and they would answer it to the best of their abilities. Most of us were concerned about safety, our residency experience, and the number of cases in our community. Our reality is changing and might not ever be the same. Clinic schedules, operating room procedures, and medical student teaching sessions might be delayed or even canceled. Gatherings and didactics might occur over zoom for months to come. Getting screened and grabbing a mask prior to entering the hospital will be part of our normal morning routines. The way I see it is that each of these efforts made by us as healthcare professions and the hospital as a whole helps to decrease transmission, improve patient safety measures, and help our community as a whole to keep thriving. I also have the pleasure of working with laboring patients who might or might not have a support system that is able to stay with them. So at times, moms are delivering with only the healthcare team in the room. My colleagues and I have made efforts to keep all our patients comfortable, safe, and supported regardless of what’s going on during our shifts. It’s never easy, but knowing that we are all in this together helps! Did you start residency this year? Comment down below about your experience!
