I'm currently on one of the hardest rotations our program offers. I had the day off the other day and I went to pick up my first paycheck. My program director happened to be there at the time.
"How's it going?" he asked, with a look of genuine concern.
"Oh, it's ok. I had eight patients on my first day, so that was a little rough. But everyone's really helpful and I'm getting the hang of things."
"Good, glad to hear it. We do our best but for some of these rotations, we seem to be just perpetually short on personnel. I appreciate you're sticking with it."
I almost forgot to pick up my paycheck as I was preoccupied with picking up my jaw off the floor. I'm still getting used to the idea of being in a residency program where the job that they ask you to do is actually reasonable and where your hard work is appreciated. Especially having come for a program where the job you are asked to do is not only unreasonable, but where you're expected to be grateful for the wonderful experience this unreasonable job is affording you. Let me try and give you and idea of the sharp diction between the two.
| QUESTION | RESPONSE | |
| New Program | Old Program | |
| Are there any more patients for me to see? | Nope, you've reached your cap! | There are 12 more, and you also need to cover the next three c-sections. |
| My mother died, I have to go to the funeral on Monday. | Ok, we'll have the jeopardy intern fill in for you. | Sorry, we need you to work on Monday. Can you have the funeral when you're on a lighter rotation? |
| I saw your patient, did the appropriate workup and she's all tucked away. | Great, thank you! | Why did you wait so long to tell me she was here! |
| Slouching forward, falling asleep in the computer lab | You look tired, why don't you go rest a couple of hours before your night shift starts? | Since you're not being very productive here, why don't you go help out on labor and delivery? |
Oh, I'm sure I'm in for all kinds of long, crazy nights on call and run-ins with evil attendings over the next three years. But, so far I'm really feelin' it, here at my new home.
One Comment
Good that the change is suiting you!!