#howtosurviveresidency

[howtothriveduringresidency]

How to Thrive During Residency - Advice for MD students on Match Day and taxes

Oh man. It's been a while since I've posted. Hasn't been too chaotic this winter. I've had actually a chance to help with the recruitment of bright fourth-year medical students into our program.

Questions like "are residents happy?" remind me  how hard it was as a MD student to choose which program was the best for me. I reached for everything and for anything ANYTHING that would give me some solace in the rank list which would yield a training program so that I might have a doctor job in 3 years after a decade of training, but didn't leave absolutely obliterated by the process.  Retrospectively, the process isn't exactly conducive for a resident's happiness for obvious reasons - overworked, underpaid though we are seen as employees in the eyes of the government (here's that supreme court ruling piece on this issue http://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/10pdf/09-837.pdf), but as trainees/apprentices without many of the full employee benefits in the eyes of the training institution. We haven't even talked about if you don't get to the place of your choice after The Match!

Folks, yes, the system is less than ideal to say it politely, but I'm here to tell you it's going to be okay because (a) you are resilient (b) you always have a choice. If that residency spot doesn't work you can always change and that path may not be obvious. Please don't despair come Match Day!  

"Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions."

Thanks, Dalai Lama - we're working on it. 

Otherwise, I offer a practical, important bit of advice for those who interviewed this year as fourth year medical students. SAVE all of your travel and hotel receipts. These are all tax-deductible. So when you file taxes as a first year resident at wherever from you match you can list these items as tax-deductible.

Mo' money in the bank never hurt.

[howtothriveduringresidency]

Thrive in residency by making your voice heard MDs! Vote!

Best part about living in a swing state?

My Vote Finally Counts!! Again!

With new market economy factors including ACA, malpractice, ACOs, there is going to be more push for physician leaders in this wacky time. Practice by getting involved, have your voice heard, get an “I voted” sticker!

Tip:  If you don’t have time this year as busy residents, watch for the mail-in-ballot deadline date for next year. But first make sure you’ve registered as a voter in the state you are living in

[howtothriveduringresidency]

What to Pack During Interview Season

It is interview season applicants!

I was giving a tour to internal medicine applicants today and a few things came to my mind. I want to put your mind at ease for those who are applying this interview season.

Cleveland is not my home, home. It's not, but that is ok!  I'm a better doctor, culinary cook with all my le creuset cookware instead of gear.  I'm fitter even (just had my annual employee measurements and I’ve lost a few inches of the waist ya!). And I have a better appreciation of the geopolitical issues in this country especially related to health. The list goes on and on. 

With this in mind go for it have fun meet people! Find a place to yourself to thrive and do so in comfort!

Here is a list of my must-have items to pack when I travel for interviews:

1. extra pair of hose and my favorite comfortable heels

2. socks, eye mask, chapstick and hand lotion (air is so dry!) for the comfy time on the airplane

3. kleenex and hand sanitizer because its flu season!

4. thank you notes and a list of first impressions

5. nice jacket for the chilly airport

6. downloaded podcasts and earphones

7. glasses and extra set of contact lenses if you wear them

8. running shoes to work off those high calorie dinners

Helpful? Good luck applicants!

xoxoxo

[howtothriveduringresidency]

How to Thrive During Residency - Bulk cooking for the resident

For the resident who needs to eat to thrive. To make my life easier and always have tasty meals, my freezer is stocked with  frozen food I made from my bulk recipes and meats I picked up from the Virginia farms and D.C area en route back to Cleveland. 

Here are my 3 favorite bulk recipes that can be frozen and stored for times when I don't have time to cook. Kuddos for if you can make the Vietnamese chicken curry which requires some prep time. Bon ap!

1. Vegetarian black bean chili 

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Vegetarian-Black-Bean-Chili-230632

Ta da! Tuesday night dinner vegetarian black bean chili with greek yogurt, aged parmesan, and sliced green onion. Whole grain bread courtesy of On the Rise Bakery 

2. French lentil soup

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/French-Lentil-Soup-236772

3. Vietnamese curry with french baguette (make sure to dip baguette in the delicious broth!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_t5GlTeOW4