It’s who you surround yourself with...
I know there’s a bunch of 4th years out there doing interviews and guys if I have to give you ONE piece of advice it’s make sure you pick a program where the people you work with are a major plus and not an eh or negative part.
That’s what I did for both my transitional year and my ophtho program and I am so so thankful. Obviously other factors went into my choice but when it came down to deciding between where to rank places that were closely matched, the “vibe” was how I did that.
It’s paying off beyond my imagination while I’m on a rotation that is rumored to be pretty damn tough and I’m having a blast. A blast doing general medicine wards. As a future ophthalmologist.
My team is the bomb and we take great care of our patients and have fun doing it. And I had fantastic support during my two weeks of night float hell and in the chaotic ICU. I truly wouldn’t have made it through as mentally stable and ready to tackle the next rotation if it hadn’t been for the awesome co residents and attendings I’ve worked with. It’s hard to get down about difficult patients when you have people to share the load with and commiserate. This program is truly a big family that I’ll be more than a little sad to leave next year.
Don’t overlook this aspect of your future program, I beg you. Trust your gut.
