Career and Life Planning Guidebook for Medical Residents

In This Chapter Reflection + Activity The activities in this section will be incorporated into a Mentor-Mentee Engagement Sheet found using the link to the workbook. Use this link to optimize implementation of the chapter content with the support of your mentor. To take…or not to take time off before your start: Below are three possible scenarios as you transition into practice post-training. REFLECT: Which of these scenarios do you feel will be most similar to your transition experience? DISCUSS: What are some things you can do now to mitigate your stress as you make this transition? I completed my residency on a Friday and moved a great distance to start my fellowship job on Monday. I had two days to transition into my new role as a fellow. Upon finishing residency, I took three months off before I began my attending job. I was able to travel, move to my new home, and help my family transition into our new town. We were fortunate to have planned financially for this time off. Upon finishing up residency, I started my attending job a week later, but I was able to negotiate working part time for the first 12 weeks so that I could spend time with my family and study for my upcoming board exam. transition seems overwhelming. If possible, try to take some time to decompress, such as noted below: When I finishedmy residency, I was fortunate enough to take three months off before I began my attending job. This allowed me to reconnect with myself and family in a number of positive ways. We were able to move, settle into our new home, get to know the new town, and study for my upcoming board exam. We had planned ahead and had the money in the bank for this extended time off. You may not be able to afford to take three months off, but take as much time off as you can during this transition. It will refill your tank and help you start the new phase of your life rejuvenated and ready to go! Scenario #1 Scenario #2 Scenario #3 The Transition 333 WWW.PHYSICIANCAREERPLANNING.COM