Electronic Spring 2023 | Issue 54
Mental Health While on Medical School Rotations
By: Tristan Hazebrook, CCOM OMS-III
Imagine starting a new job every 4 weeks, meeting an entirely new group of people, building a new expertise, and on top of all those things, not even knowing where the bathroom is. Not only is it an introvert’s nightmare, but it is also known as the “third year of medical school.” Many look forward to these two years as we finally get to put all our hard-earned knowledge to the test. The sweatpants change to scrubs and a white coat, and we embark on the “journey of a lifetime.” While it is an exciting change of pace from the monotony of studying, there are so many unknowns in front of you every day. The rigorous testing schedule is gone, but in return you have no schedule at all. Can you commit to dinner next week with friends, or do you have to cancel again, because you may be working till 7 pm and don’t know it yet? Planning trips becomes near impossible considering you’ll be starting a new rotation in April, and you aren’t sure if they work weekends or even when they work.
With no schedule, no routines, and no predictability it becomes increasingly difficult to incorporate a workout routine or seeing friends and family into an ever-changing schedule. The big question is how we handle this and how we preserve our mental health during this unpredictable time? After making it my mission to prioritize my mental health during 3rd year, I’ve mastered a few tips and tricks that I’d like to pass along to hopefully make others’ transition that much smoother:
Ask for what you need! The first thing you are often asked on rotation is if you need any days off or have anything going on. Take this time to let them know if you have family in town one weekend or have a doctor appointment on the last Tuesday. Planning ahead is key, and getting the information out there on day one only makes it better.
You are human. You have needs. Ask where the staff bathrooms are, ask what time they take lunch, ask where to store your belongings. Ask anything and everything you may need to know on your first day. It makes the entire rotation easier on the day to day.
Take advantage of your time! If you have a few minutes to squeeze in a Uworld block or work on patient logs, do it. Try listening to medical podcasts on your drive. Every time you get something done at work, it is one less thing you must do at home. During my time at some rotations, I never had to study at home simply because I was able to study so much while working.
Consider a class pass/gym pass or something similar. If you are driving all around to rotations, a gym membership that moves with you can be helpful. This will allow you to always have access to workout classes or a gym nearby your rotation. Also, bonus points if you can squeeze in a workout and avoid rush hour traffic!
Plan an event with your friends following every End of Rotation Exam/COMAT/ SHELF. Not only does it give you something to look forward to at the end of the rotation, but it also ensures you see your friends and have quality, stress free time together.
These last two years are tough in a very different way and a complete 360 from the first two years of medical school. While some people thrive on rotations, others do not, and that is completely normal. Do not feel down if you aren’t enjoying it as much as others. Give yourself some grace, do your best, and remember to take care of yourself along the way. Remember, you cannot take care of others unless you take care of yourself first!