Looking back at my first year as a doctor feels like watching a reflection of myself learning, growing, and figuring it all out. It’s been a ride—nerve-wracking, exciting, exhausting, and rewarding all rolled into one. Here’s what I’ve learned along the way.
The Start: Fear Meets Excitement
When I found out I was finally going to be a doctor, I was terrified. The weight of responsibility hit me like a ton of bricks—people were going to trust me with their health, their lives even. That’s huge. But after the initial shock, this wave of excitement kicked in. I’d spent seven years studying for this moment. It was like standing at the top of a rollercoaster—you’re scared, but you can’t wait for the ride to start.
First Day on the Job: Back to the Bottom
Starting out in the emergency department (ED) felt like being back at square one. Sure, I was technically a doctor, but I felt like I knew nothing. Everyone around me was more experienced, and I was at the bottom of the food chain. Thankfully, ED was a familiar environment because it’s basically what they train you for in med school: take a history, do an exam, order some tests, and check in with a senior doctor. In some ways, it felt like being a "paid student," but with way more responsibility.
The Mid-Year Reality Check: General Medicine Hits Hard
The real challenge came during my third rotation—General Medicine (Gen Med). It was the first time I truly felt like a doctor. Ward rounds, endless notes, referrals, discharge summaries—it was non-stop. The workload hit hard, and it felt like I was constantly trying to stay afloat. It was tough but also the moment where I levelled up in terms of responsibility and resilience.
The Reset Button: Rural Emergency Department
After Gen Med, I needed a win. I headed to a rural ED for my next rotation, and it was exactly what I needed—a change of scenery and a chance to reset. Having already done one ED rotation, I felt more confident and capable. It was the perfect opportunity to sharpen my skills and rebuild my energy.
Surprise Favourite: Surgery (Urology)
I wrapped up my year in Urology—a surgical specialty I had zero expectations for. I thought surgery would be intense and overwhelming, but I loved it. The team dynamic, the structured workflow, and even the surgical cases themselves were surprisingly rewarding. It taught me to keep an open mind—you never know what might click until you’re in the thick of it.
The Lesson That Stuck: Feedback Matters
If there’s one big takeaway from this year, it’s how much positive feedback matters. As new doctors, we’re naturally hard on ourselves, constantly thinking we could’ve done more or been better. But when senior colleagues took a moment to say, "You’re doing a good job," it made a world of difference. It’s something I’ll carry with me—to give that same encouragement to others coming up behind me.
Looking Back: From Intern to Resident
By the end of the year, I could finally feel myself transitioning from an overwhelmed intern to a more confident resident. There were highs and lows and definitely lots of setbacks, but through it all, I learned, adapted, and grew. It was one hell of a year—but I think you sort of need that introduction to be able to become a better doctor in the big picture of it all.
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