Third year is about to start like tomorrow. I can’t even believe this! I’m gearing up to get my outfits together and making sure all of my trainings and things are complete. There is nothing more amazing than having to be ready to actually go in and talk to patients. The day that I have been waiting for is right here in front of my face! I’ve been asking for advice and this is what I’ve been told.
The top three rules of year 3:
1. Wear comfortable shoes. You will be on your feet all day. Professional dress is a no-brainer but comfortable shoes may not always be the most stylish accessories.
2. Know where the bathrooms are. You may have to make a quick stop and you cannot do that if you don’t know where it is. Plus, if you see one, go, even if you don’t have to.
3. Even if you are not, you have to find a way to make yourself be interested in things that are happening around you or at least look interested. A question about every other patient is always helpful when trying to look interested. You’re not annoying with too many questions but they can tell the yawns are coming from shallow breathing.
Everyone keeps saying that this is our only time to see all of the different specialties and to really understand what our future in medicine will be. I’ll be figuring out if my dreams of being a family physician are really what is in the plan for me. Some say I may change my mind and end up planning to be a pediatrician or surgeon or something else. I don’t foresee that large of a change but I am definitely going into the next year with an open mind!
As for the rest of my life, I can’t stop thinking about my step 1 score. Thats all I can really say about that. I made it back and my grandfather is finally home after another terrible hospital experience (why my grandmother took him to the same place I will never understand) and a couple hiccups along the way. He’s gearing up to start a long road of recovery. I’m blessed to be able to come home for 2 of my rotations. My family needs me right now more than ever.
