Doctor-To-Doctor
Internship is a different beast entirely, and, like with med school, each of us finds different strategies to survive. Our new campaign Doctor-to-Doctor presents ongoing reports from the field, from deep in the heart of postgraduate employment. Each focuses on a newly-graduated doctor, from their application to the Internship Campaign to the challenges and rewards of finally working in the real world (including receiving their first medical pay check)! This is the pure unfiltered perspective, and we’re here to showcase it all. At the same time, we are hoping to encourage a conversation.
Feel free to reach out and discuss any thoughts, concerns and questions. If would like to get involved in writing a piece yourself, please contact us on Facebook or email us.
We look forward to hearing from you soon! In the meantime, enjoy the upcoming editions.
Marianna
“The job can be tough, it can be a bit of a change going from med student to intern. But try to make sure that you look after yourself first and foremost! Even talking to other interns can help because more often than not, they’ll feel the same and sometimes it’s reassuring knowing that yeah this is tough but I’m not alone in thinking that.”
Marianna Boscariol is a PGY1 Doctor at Proserpine Hospital, and previously Onshore International Applicant in the 2020 Internship Campaign.
Read her full feature here.
Tom
“Being able to advocate and see outcomes for disadvantaged patients. There are so many geographical, social, cultural, historical and economic factors in North West Queensland, which means that patients routinely have inadequate access and quality to care. There is a big emphasis on opportunistic care, and when you can see someone and make a treatment breakthrough, it is extremely satisfying.”
Tom Mackay is an Intern on the Rural Generalist Pathway at Mount Isa, and recently completed his Obstetrics and Gynaecology rotation.
Read his full feature here.
Ihab
“The greatest misconception is that it’s all about paper-pushing. What you do actually matters: you do actually have to make decisions that impact patients. Maybe not in as big a way as the registrars or consultants, but what you do still matters.“
Ihab Mikhail is an intern at Ipswich Hospital and a UQ Alumni. He recently completed his General Surgery rotation.
Read his full profile here.
Alan
“The scariest thing about becoming an intern was becoming an intern. Imposter syndrome is real and it affects everyone. Your decisions will matter and they will affect the patient. That is a scary thing. Confidence can only come from experience, but, while you are still green, you need to remember that medicine is a team game. Everyone is responsible for the patient’s wellbeing so don’t be afraid to ask how to do something you don’t know or admit you don’t know. It is okay to say you don’t know but make sure you let them know you will find out.”
Alan Nguyen is an intern at Rockhampton Base Hospital, and an alumni from University of Queensland. He recently completed 10 weeks on Palliative Care.
Read his full profile here.
Emilie
“My favourite thing is that the interactions I have with patients have so often been genuinely positive. Most of the people you meet in the hospital don’t want to be there – they’re either scared for themselves or for a family member. I’ve had many conversations with patients and their families about really difficult topics, and often just talking about these issues can be a huge source of relief for people. And when you’ve been able to reassure someone that they’re going to be ok, or you’ve been able to solve a problem for them, they’re really grateful for it.”
Emilie Rutland is a UQ alumni and intern at Princess Alexandra Hospital, currently on her Emergency Medicine rotation.
Read her full profile here.
Tim
“Starting on ward call was a rude awakening to say the least. Being paged constantly and having more and more jobs piling up while sorting out a deteriorating patient with the reg has been a challenge. In my first week, I had certified my first death, had several discharges against medical advice and multiple MET calls. Internship had already proved much more challenging than I had expected. However, I think as an intern, there is a lot of misconception that you aren’t able to do much. I think interns are able to do a lot for patients – whether that be communicating vital information that may have been missed by other members of the team, escalating care, or even putting in a cannula for much needed antibiotics – don’t underestimate your ability to help others. While there is still much to learn, there is still a lot you can do.”
Tim Chau is a UQ Alumni, domestic applicant for QLD and successful interstate applicant to Blacktown NSW.
Read his full profile here.
Emma
“Internship can be scary, daunting and overwhelming at times. It can also be exciting, rewarding and a step forward in your learning. Take the highs and lows as they come – learn to celebrate your successes and learn to grow from your downfalls. Do not burden yourself or suppress any angst/sadness/stress you have – reach out to friends and family, take mental health days to destress/offload your worries, and don’t ever be afraid to seek professional help if needed. And remember to check in with your colleagues too. 🙂
“Good luck on your brand new exciting adventure – we can’t wait to welcome you to the hospital!
”PS feel free to reach out to me if you ever have any questions about internship, the hospital system, or just to have a general chat. :)”
Emma Chan is a UQ Alumni, domestic applicant for QLD, and an intern at Logan Hospital, currently on her Emergency Medicine rotation.
Read her full profile here.
