Thread by @RobertSEisinger

Some unpopular opinions for new medicine interns that I wish someone told me one year ago:

#Interns #MedStudentTwitter #Medicine #MedTwitter

1. When you get your schedule, you'll hear that you’re starting on the worst block/service/etc.

Ignore that. Like med school, intern experiences depend on unpredictable factors like who you work with, availability of resources, proximity to free food, etc. It's super variable.

2. People will tell you to separate work and home.

Instead, do whatever you want. If you pre-chart better at home or want to note-prep before going in, if it helps you know what's ahead, do it. Check on your patients on your day off if you want. It's okay to worry about them.

3. Change your mindset on evaluations. Don’t try to impress your attendings anymore.

Instead, impress your patients. Hone in on how they respond to your body language, bedside presentations, breaking bad news, physical exam, how you rush them on pre-rounds. Adjust as needed.

4. You’ll want to diagnose and treat medical problems.

The bigger impact is from driving care forward. Facilitate collaboration among specialists, expedite clinic follow-up, address needs beyond medical treatment. Be your patient's advocate and fight for their well-being.

5. You can tell your patient it’s your first day or year as a doctor.

Your patient doesn't know exactly what “intern” or “attending” is. Weird words. Explain the team dynamic. You are their quarterback, their front-line doctor, the person who knows how to drive care forward.

6. You can use your first name if you want.

Of course, be sure to call other doctors “Dr”. Yes, patients need to know you’re a doctor. I go with "My name's Dr. Eisinger but you can call me Robert or Dr. Robert!" If needed I'll remind them. I know this is unpopular but I do it.

7. Don’t “just try to survive.”

I think it's bad advice. Your goal isn't to "push through" so you can "start your career." Start it now. Patients teach you that life is fragile. Find meaning in what you do. Get to know your patients and really meet the person you are helping.

8. Technology is not the enemy of medicine.

You can type your note when you do an H&P. It’s 2023. Embrace technology and learn how to integrate it into your flow. Tell your patients “I’m sorry, but we have to document everything, I’ll be over here typing as we talk.”

9. You can now fix whatever old-school culture bothered you. Like, correct someone if you hear them calling medical students the “kids” or “babys” or "they're so cute" or other demeaning nonsense like that. You can make the med student experience better now. Go at it.

10. "Intern year is the worst!"

No it’s not!! I tell everyone it’s better than med school. I really believe that. I found a much clearer purpose and so much more ability to finally help people and take ownership.

Surround yourself with other happy interns. 😃