Tips for starting out in FY1

Dr Emily Palmer,
Ambassador at You Okay, Doc?

First off, congratulations on getting into/through/out the other side of medical school! That is an achievement that you should not forget, and means you’ve already proved you’re made of tough enough stuff to thrive in medicine. However, there are definitely a few things I wish someone had told me before starting out as a new FY1, so I’ve listed them out here. Skip through them however you like, but if even one small thought from this page helps you at some point along your way I’ll be happy! Good luck & enjoy – you’re already smashing it.

Stay Hydrated

You’ll soon encounter the 5-hour ward rounds where you’re preparing notes, presenting summaries, opening imaging, checking labs, listening and documenting plans, prescribing meds and simultaneously creating a job list for each patient on what can feel like a never-ending conveyer belt. It’s pretty difficult to disappear off during this to grab a drink, so bring a water bottle. Sip in the spaces. Glug in the gaps.

Pee

Similar theme, except you can’t do this one on the go. So ask for a break if you need it – consultants can be pretty driven to get round the ward as quick as possible, but it is always acceptable to ask for a minute to nip to the loo. They won’t think to offer, but they should be totally cool if you ask.

Doctors get sick too

Hopefully you won’t. But if you do, remember to be as kind to yourself as you are to your patients. It is impossible to rest and recover while running around chasing jobs lists and hurrying to prep discharge summaries etc. It’s also easy to get caught in the trap that is feeling guilty for leaving your colleagues understaffed, but it is far more efficient and helpful for your colleagues for you to take one day off, than be on poor form for the rest of the week, or to take a week off, than spend the whole placement burnt out and struggling.

Say yes to plans

It’s easy to become all consumed by the rota, early starts, late nights, night shifts, and swaps etc. but you will be far healthier and happier if you actively prioritise seeing your friends and family. We are social creatures, and portfolio/audit/teaching/studying for exams on top of work hours can make medicine a lonely game, so remember how good your friends are for you and don’t give up on seeing them! The best bit of advice I ever got was never to leave a get-together with your uni/home/work mates without agreeing on a date in the diary for the next time – even if it is 6 months away.

Say no to plans

Depending on where on the spectrum of jam-packed plans you tend to sit, it is smart to ring-fence at least a day a month of no plans (and tell people you’re busy when they try to book you up!). Be it a Saturday, Sunday, or random weekday zero day – remember to schedule time for proper rest and down time.

Have an end-of-day ritual

Whether it’s the cycle home from work, or a cup of tea and 20 minutes of your favourite sit com once you get home, try and build in a routine that helps you switch off and leave your busy headspace at work.

You are not an imposter

There will always be someone who looks like they are doing more, is more confident, or is juggling tasks more easily than you, but chances are you look like that to someone else. Don’t compare. And remember that it is impossible to get to where you are now on luck – you’ve earnt this role and are just as deserving of being there as your colleagues.

There are lots of doctors. There is only one of you!

One more time for the people at the back – you are replaceable at work, but you are not replaceable in your own life, so take care of yourself. I know it’s not always possible, but if most of the time you can try and hand over on time and take all your annual leave and days in lieu, you’ll thank yourself in the long run.

____

Find out more about You Okay, Doc? and what the team are doing to support doctors’ mental health