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The transition into residency from medical school can be overwhelming. After all, it’s the first chance for new doctors to use the knowledge they’ve gained in school in practice. In addition, it can be intimidating to go from theory to practice since patients now depend on your expertise.

Although becoming a resident might be scary, you will learn much from your challenges. When moving into residency, you must learn to develop habits to set you up for success as your choices can influence a patient’s general health and well-being. As your residency goes on, you will become more confident and accustomed to the lifestyle change. 

1. Perfect Your time Management Skills

Becoming a qualified doctor is difficult, but it will be even more complex if one has trouble managing time. 

It’s essential to take care of yourself as a resident. Not only for your sanity but also to ensure you take care of patients to the best of your ability. Also, avoiding burnout early on is essential. So taking time to do things outside work comes down to managing your time on and off the clock. 

Prioritizing your sleep, social life, and hobbies:

Start meal-prepping – This can save you time in the long run by keeping you from preparing lunch or supper. It may also help you maintain your health by preventing you from regularly ordering takeout.

Set clear goals – Setting them, whether short-term or long-term, can put your priorities into perspective. Goal setting can help you save time while focusing on significant matters outside residency.

Be efficient with your routine – Managing daily activities can help you get more done and save time. For example, being as efficient as possible while studying, prioritizing essential tasks, and taking breaks are ways to ensure you’re making the most of your time. 

2. Lean on Your Co-Residents

The medical sector is competitive, and residents can aim to be the best. So, it’s essential to build relationships rather than compete with fellow residents. Tension when working together may affect how you and your fellow residents function as a team and how well your patients get treated.

By getting to know them, you may be confident that you can turn to co-residents for support or even a chat if the pressures of residency are bringing to you. 

It’s easy to feel alone during this period of your medical journey. So take advantage of being surrounded by other residents who are likely feeling the same as you are.

Understand It’s Okay to Not Know Everything

Though residents have learned plenty of great information by the time they enter residency, there’s still so much to learn. Also, residents encounter many surprises; thus, learning from them is vital to prepare for success following residency.

In terms of medical expertise, residents will not be 100% knowledgeable, especially at the beginning of residency. Therefore, it is advisable to confirm any uncertainties with a supervisor rather than risk making a crucial mistake. Doctors overseeing residents will value providing information rather than an error made by assumptions.