Here are some thoughts from Dr Himani Murdeshwar, runner up in our recent blog-post competition:
Brimming with aspirations and nervous excitement, the cohort of young graduates made their way to the Induction. I was one among them and still have a vivid recollection of what was only the prelude to the symphony that followed.
We were primed with all the knowledge we would need to begin work, told where to look for support, and informed what we could and couldn’t do in our new role as foundation doctors. Yet, on the first day of our first rotation we continued to be haunted by the imposter syndrome. “Did we really know enough to make decisions for patients?” It all felt so new, often overwhelming. “Did I do it the right way?” “Should I have prescribed that?” “Did I answer the patient’s question correctly?”
Year after year, a batch of hopefuls embarks on the formative years of their medical careers. They come to the hospital each day, taking a leap of faith, pushing their abilities to their limits. And as you, my dear readers join the ranks, let me reassure you that it is perfectly normal to have mixed feelings. I would urge you to see the foundation programme as a rite of passage and to progress through it, with a view to discover and learn more about yourself, than anything else.
Life presents us opportunities to reflect on our lived experiences and more often than not, most would want to do things differently, if given another chance. Therefore I take this opportunity to share my thoughts on “What I wish I’d known for my foundation years,” hoping to relive that period vicariously through you all.
“Help will always be given at Hogwarts to those who ask for it.” Professor Albus Dumbledore’s words are as true for those starting at Hogwarts, as they are for our new foundation year doctors. Do not hesitate or feel guilty about admitting to your inability to do something. Ask for supervision while doing a procedure or for a demonstration of how to conduct a difficult conversation. Make sure to debrief at the end of the exercise to optimize your learnings from the experience.Honesty, diligence and prompt escalation in challenging situations will help you win other’s trust as a safe junior doctor and stand you in good stead.
Every new rotation is your chance to wipe your slate clean and explore life in a new specialty. Take this opportunity to develop your long-term goal and work in that direction. Maintaining a logbook for surgeries you were involved in, updating your e-portfolio, undertaking audit and QI work are instrumental in demonstrating your commitment to a specialty.
With time, build your understanding of the roles of other team members, seeing them as more than just cogs in the wheel. Building rapport with the nurses, health care assistants and dieticians will develop your ability to function as an effective team member and in due course team leader.
The foundation programme can prove to be nothing short of a roller coaster ride. Certain rotations will be action packed and exciting while others might seem rather humdrum. It is for such days, that you must have a support system to rely on- friends, flatmates or family. Be sure to book your annual leave in time and plan any necessary swaps in advance to make the most of it.
The foundation years are an enriching phase that moulds us into better professionals and multi-faceted individuals ready for any curveball life throws at us. And as you take your first step in this direction, all I’d like to say is, “Believe in yourself!”
All the best!
Dr Himani Murdeshwar
