ResidentsStarting residency is a time of
great upheaval. The transition
from being a medical student
depending on instructions from others, to being a doctor who is expected to provide the
instruction, is quite stressful.
The best way to survive these
trying times is to become a
part of a group of people, a team, that you both like and respect.
To provide a better sense of unity, all of the intern class spends their first month working in the ED. During this orientation month, they spend each day together, attending lectures, participating in labs, seeing patients, and getting to know each other at an enjoyable weekend retreat. In the spirit of camraderie, all of the interns are united again at the end of the year at the annual SAEM conference.
After the first year, there is still ample opportunity to spend time with your classmates, as well as those in front and behind you. There is a journal club each month, in which you spend time discussing current literature and how it relates to your everyday practice. Journal club is usually held at one of the attendings houses. There are also parties, both impromptu and planned throughout the year. Most classes end up with one or two "social leaders" who always seem to be arranging some outing.
Regardless of where you go, residency will be difficult. The key is to find a place where you feel that you fit in. A sense of belonging is essential to getting through.
Our Class Pictures
(click on any group picture to see individual class photos and profiles)
Class of 2010
