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Road Guide to Rotations. Myths, mantras, and materials. How to survive your first day . You win a lot of brownie points just for being early Plan to double (or 1.5) transportation time If early, read up on a patient or a topic (see resources…)
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Road Guide to Rotations Myths, mantras, and materials
How to survive your first day • You win a lot of brownie points just for being early • Plan to double (or 1.5) transportation time • If early, read up on a patient or a topic (see resources…) • You WILL fumble through a presentation, maybe even the first 20 • Review the traditional H&P template prior to your first day • Ask your senior resident (or a friendly MS4) to go over it with you prior to rounding
Colored pens • Paper/small notebook • Stethoscope • Reflex hammer • Tuning fork and safety pins (for neuro) • Kleenex, money, chapstick • Phone (discreetly) RESOURCES: • Wards: Pocket Medicine • Clinic: 5 minute clinical consult • OR: Surgical Recall • ASK residents: what source do YOU recommend
Myths and truths of your 3rd year • Come up with an intelligent answer to any question • Never use Wikipedia • Ask each and every question that comes to mind • Classmates are competition • There is one best study resource for every rotation
Myths of your 4th year • You absolutely MUST get an “H” in the first rotation of specialty of interest • You can ask for letters or rec in the fall • You NEED period 5 off • Wait as long as possible to take CS and CK • It’s NOT OK to be wrong
Mantras • Be Interested (Genuinely!) • Be Curious • Be Early • Be Prepared • Be Friendly • Smile • Be HELPFUL, HUMBLE, and QUICK TO FORGIVE • Refrain from gossiping about attendings or residents (and patients, obviously!) • READ, READ, READ: about your patients, about the next day’s cases, about topics you don’t know
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Misc. Advice • Take ownership of your patients! You are responsible for relaying the plan to them and their family! • Always introduce yourself and make it clear you are a medical student • Read the grading rubrics for each rotation • Start studying for shelves earlier rather than later • Bring in interesting articles, offer to give short ten minute presentations on topics you think are interesting • Always attempt to contribute to your patients’ plans