Residency Fair: Pearls of Wisdom

The school held a residency fair Friday, and although we're only first years, a lot of us took advantage of the opportunity to see what's out there. There were nearly 50 booths set up at the fair, and they represent a fairly small percentage of the specialties and programs available. I have to pinch myself, knowing that in the blink of an eye I'll be looking back at this year from the future I've selected, preparing for graduation and the internship/training that follows. What I wouldn't give for a sneak peek...
My uncle Doug represented Tahlequah's booth at the fair. We had the rare opportunity to spend some time with him by catching a bite to eat at Genghis Grill afterward. Aaron and I look forward to these instances for several reasons. Doug's been through the exact journey we're trekking through now. He's had many of the same professors and has experienced many of the same difficulties, only with four kids to support. While many people love us and try to understand, the empathy, encouragement, and advice of someone who's been through it is priceless, and something that can be trusted. Doug finished near the top of his class and was selected as Resident of the Year. He's now Chief of Staff at Hastings in Tahlequah in addition to Director of its residency program. He knows what he's talking about, and here are a few pearls of wisdom straight from the horse's mouth. If you're wise, you'll take heed.
1. First years, enjoy this last summer before us. There will be plenty of time to study for boards next year, and until we've had Pathology, we won't be able to grasp what's important and its application. We have the rest of our lives to work. Relax, spend time with family, and recharge so we can hit the fall semester running.
2. Don't just impress your attending. The residents have a say in which applicants will be joining them in the future.
3. Talk to someone in the fields you're considering and be realistic about your odds. Have a backup.
4. In rotations, you'll spend the first two weeks every month trying to figure things out. Just about the time you do, you're ready to move on to the next. It's ok.
5. Balance your 'audition' rotations with a variety of electives that will be useful during your internship year. Many attendings are complaining that PGY1s aren't at the level they need to be because they did the majority of their electives in one field (cardiology, radiology, etc.) and aren't well rounded.
Here's to our future selves, who already have it figured out...