A medical internship is the first-year of a residency program. Most interns report feelings of stress and burnout during this time, and many interns must work overnight and weekend shifts. Implementing effective time management during your intern years is almost impossible since your schedule is tightly structured, and you cannot deviate from it. The little free time you have is just enough for sleep, eating and personal hygiene. The most important thing to remember during this time is that you are not alone. All the other residents are enduring the same thing, and it will only last one year.
After the first year, your situation will improve. As a resident, you will have more free time and more leverage to create your own schedule. You will also gain confidence in your abilities since you have already survived the intense internship year. Furthermore, you should gain more respect from your co-workers.
All medical trainees--interns and residents--will have a large patient load. Although it will not be as bad after the first year, you will feel overwhelmed at times. According to Dr. Saul Wischnitzer, author of “Wischnitzer’s Residency Manual,” medical residents should work as quickly as possible with each patient. However, while asking important questions needed to make a diagnosis, the resident should take more time, since this is a crucial stage.
Regardless of how hectic things get, try to schedule time for activities outside of work. Take advantage of holidays and whatever vacations you have, and do take occasional time off. The most important thing is to request this time-off well in advance, so the hospital will have ample notice. However, as an intern, you might not be able to do this.
Regardless of how hard you are working, always take care of yourself. Eat nutritious foods, avoid drinking or smoking, sleep and follow personal hygiene. Gaining respect as an intern or resident is challenging, but projecting an image of health and professionalism is the first step. Create a computer spreadsheet, and designate personal care time.