My 1st-year experience may be different from many of my peers since I chose a one-resident-per-year program. I spent a good amount of time with my uppers, and they have been gracious in answering all of my questions and being a support system whenever I need it.

You are going to be busy. Intern year is a beast in itself. You’re navigating the ropes of the charting system, how to properly see a consult when you get called in at night, how to report back to your attending, how to write a note that includes all the details needed, writing orders, setting up surgeries, reading up on the upcoming surgery the next day and now performing the surgeries, dictating the operative notes, logging all of your cases, participating in academics, and all while giving your patients the best care you can. That is the gist of the first-year experience. 

You’re meeting a TON of new faces, staff, attendings, physicians from all different specialties, the healthcare team that is going to help you through the entire 3-year process, and you are going to be so grateful for each and everyone one of them because in their way they’re contributing to your learning experience. 

Trials and Tribulations of a 1st-year Resident

Dictating Operative Notes

My goodness, the number one trial I am enduring now is dictating operative notes. I was an orthopedic medical scribe before starting podiatry school, and I thought that the terminology and verbiage would come in handy for my field, and it did. 

However, I do not think anything truly prepares you for that first operative note on a new procedure you do not have a template for, except for repetition and practice. I find reading through previous operative notes dictated by your attendings and upper residents to find the terminology you want to use helpful, but even better when you practice it on your own.

If I could’ve done my rotations any differently from 4th year, it would be to try to dictate the surgeries I participated in, to go through all of those steps, and keep a folder to refer to in the future when I finally have to do it as a resident.

Time Management as a 1st Year Resident 

Time management will always be something to work on with your LONG days on call. You will have many days when you start your day early to round on patients before 7:00 am surgery, then potential clinic afterward to after-clinic consults and late-night academics.

Getting home late to your loved ones or trying to get sleep for the next day to start that cycle all over again can be daunting, but it does get better. You find ways to prioritize and do things more efficiently to have more time for yourself at the end of the day. 

The best advice I have gotten was from one of my attendings here. It was to take a day off when you want to do the things you love. He said, “If you want to go to that concert, then do it. We gave you the vacation days for a reason. Residency is supposed to be a 3-year learning experience that may be challenging but also to remember to enjoy life.”

Did I mention I love my program?

Overview of the Podiatric Medicine and Surgical Residency Experience

My program and surgical residency at Scripps Encinitas have treated me well. At this program, we start with our podiatry rotation to get us comfortable in our specialty before rotating through the other specialties, which I thought was very beneficial.

I have worked with podiatrists and orthopedic surgeons in the OR since I started here a month ago and have gotten to participate in and perform many surgeries. There are no orthopedic residents here, so you’re a part of their team as well, and they trust you with their patients. I value this aspect because you see how an orthopedic surgeon vs. a podiatric surgeon would approach foot/ankle surgery and incorporate the different techniques you appreciate into your future practice.

Here, you are expected to be a self-starter. No one is looking over your back to make sure you’re doing everything you need to do. The saying “You get out what you put in” is very relatable here. The attendings place trust in the residents they hand-picked from the bunch because, from day one, they are taking care of their patients in the clinic and the operating room.

I think it’s important to show confidence in the things that you do, and if you’re unsure, then ask questions/go home and learn about it and come back more confident than you were. 

The Transition from Student to Resident 

“Hit the ground running” was the first thought that came to mind. Everything you learned as a student from all of the rotations you attended in the past year is now applicable; when you walk into that patient room and introduce yourself now as Doctor. Everything comes flooding back into your mind on what to say.

The knowledge you gained from school and your mentors over the years; made that transition much easier than I thought. You are now responsible for all the patients you get consulted for and the surgeries you assist in – it is different in the sense that other specialties are now contacting you about medications, instructions, and next steps in YOUR plan and recommendations for the patient. 

Of course, you still have your co-residents and attendings to rely on when things become questionable, but it does get to a point where you need to start making decisions and taking initiative. 

My transition was smooth, from being on buddy call; to telling them when I was ready to be on my own. I needed to get used to things and find my way around when I was alone, and that experience helped me learn much faster. You become more and more efficient as time passes, and things become repetitive, but there is always something new to learn every day. 

Interest in becoming a podiatric physician? Apply now!