25 Nov Transitioning to a Senior Resident

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As you head into this second year as a senior resident, you’ll realize you can no longer say “I’m sorry, I’m an intern.” Responsibility comes with the territory of moving through a year of adapting to a new environment and what seems like insurmountable amounts of information.

We find ourselves in a position to see more patients, be aware of:

Increased Responsibility

  • Managing multiple critically ill patients
  • Seeing more patients
  • Taking sign outs
  • Guiding new interns

Imposter Syndrome

  •  Doubting your abilities (Do I know enough?)
  •  Being confident in your decisions (You have come this far, trust in the process and your development)

Growth in Knowledge and Clinical Skills

  • Large growth curve in knowledge from first to second year
  • Procedurally more competent
  • Complex cases seem less scary

Addressing Burnout

  • Have a hobby/passion outside of residency
  • Develop coping mechanisms during/on shift
  • Reach out if you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed (You still have Attendings and 3rd year residents)
  • Remember the reasons you went into the specialty

Yuliya Pecheny, DO
Member, New York ACEP Emergency Medicine Resident Committee
Resident, University of Rochester