This is going to be the hardest thing you’ll ever do.

Truly.

But also the most rewarding.

Some seasons you’ll feel like you’re flourishing and others you’ll feel like you’re barely surviving. We are here for you. ⠀

Keep learning.

The amount of knowledge you will gain from sheer day-in day-out exposure is astonishing. But the more you know, the more you realize there is to know.

Ask your nurses about your patients. They’ll teach you A LOT. Ask your seniors for their favorite study resources. Spend some time looking up the things you didn’t know from the day. Sometimes, study on your days off.

It will help you immensely in the long run. ⠀

Be confident, but not overly confident.

Look: confidence comes from learning & doing. Overconfidence leads to mistakes and hurts patients. Your attendings, co-residents, and nurses won’t trust you either.

Have the confidence to say you don’t know something but will look it up. Ask questions. That honesty will be appreciated by your coworkers. It will be especially appreciated by your patients. ⠀

Say sorry.

We all have bad days. Put your ego aside and be a good person. Also, say sorry to your patients if you’re running behind in clinic. Their time is valuable too.⠀

Take criticism.

Let’s be honest: the medical community in general is not one to celebrate doing things well. We don’t pat ourselves on the back for hard work. The standard is set so high because we are caring for people, and we want you to be exceptional. Take criticism or, better yet, ASK FOR IT. It will help you continue to grow.

Bring snacks.

White coats and scrubs have a lot of pockets. Use them… for snacks.

No, seriously.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve missed meals on long shifts. ⠀

Make the most of your time.

Listen to yourself and what you need.

Exercise, play an instrument, study more, binge watch Netflix, sleep all day, call your friends, visit family... Do what you need to do, not what others think you should do.

Schedule in YOU time. Keep up with your hobbies. It’s so important to help prevent burn out.

Remember: it is going to be okay!

It really is!

Angela Lightner, DO

PNWU Class of 2017
OB/GYN R3

So, You're a Doctor Now...