How To Maximize Your Residency for Newly Matched Medical Residents
You have worked hard in medical school, which has now paid off in a residency program match. Congratulations! It’s time to celebrate this great accomplishment and to enjoy any break you can take between your medical school graduation and the start of
your residency program.
This next phase of your professional journey will play an important role in your career as a physician. Great residency programs can offer a life-changing experience, especially if you are able to maximize the opportunities and manage the demands.
Here are ten tips to help you prepare for your residency:
Embrace a Learning Mindset. Be open to new experiences, challenges, and continuous learning. You will learn a lot over the next several years so be patient with yourself.
Build Strong Relationships. Foster positive relationships with other residents, physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and care team members.
Seek Mentors. Network with physicians who you admire and who might be willing to mentor you. Your mentors can provide you with invaluable constructive feedback and help you hone your skills to deliver even better patient care.
● Learn more about the MMS mentoring program offered to members.
Learn to Manage Your Time. Prioritize tasks, set realistic goals, and stay on top of your note taking. Don’t take work home with you. Meal prep as much as possible.
Pursue a Life Beyond Residency. Residency demands a lot of your time and well-being. Schedule fun activities to do in your free time and stay engaged with hobbies that bring you joy. Also, nurture friendships outside of medicine.
Prioritize Self-Care. Establish healthy habits, get sufficient sleep, exercise regularly, and allocate time for relaxation. Burnout for residents and other members of the medical profession is real, and self-care is critical to managing your health
and well-being.
● Please seek help if you are really struggling. Physician Health Services (PHS), a non-profit corporation founded by the MMS, provides confidential consultation and support to physicians, residents, and medical students.
Don’t Take Things Too Personally. Remember that everyone with whom you interact is probably dealing with personal issues or challenges unbeknownst to you. Learn how to separate yourself from the situation to avoid interpreting responses or actions
as personal.
Be Professional. For many, this may be your first job with a major employer. There will be expectations as to how you perform and conduct yourself. Make sure you understand what is expected of you.
Get Your Finances in Order. Obtain financial help to consolidate your debt and lower your interest rates so you can more effectively manage your debt. Create a budget that establishes opportunities to save and plan for your retirement.
● Please learn more about Panacea Financial, a virtual bank providing financial services to physicians and a vetted MMS corporate partner offering discounted rates to MMS members.
Embrace Uncertainty. Medicine is constantly changing. Be humble and recognize that you aren’t going to know everything. Seek support when you need help.
Remember, each day is an opportunity to learn, grow, and make a positive impact on the lives of your patients.
Best of luck on your journey to becoming a skilled and compassionate physician!
