Tag: residency

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How Much Detailed Description Belongs In Your Report As A Resident?

detailed description

Exceptionally few things can be more confusing as a resident than how much to put in a report. Each faculty member tells you something slightly different. Some want every little detailed description. And others want a dictation that is so short it may even skip over some of the relevant findings. Since the diverse dictations you read are so vast, and each attending does it differently, the variety of recommendations you receive is also all over the map. So, how do you decide what kind of dictation detail is right for you? Well, let me give you some pointers.

Don’t Get Too Deep Into The Weeds

Like I did when I started, I had noticed that many new radiologists would get into the nitty-gritty of the technical aspects of a dictation while forgetting about the ultimate desired result. We shoot for an answer to a question that the referrer is providing. And that is the main reason for the report itself. So, when you see a dictation continuing to harp on T1 and T2 weighting as well subtle points of artifacts and the finer points of a description that no one will use (including the subsequent radiologist that reads the report), it is probably too much. These reports typically have an impression that is a mile long and a result section that needs a table of contents! So, avoid too much technical jargon description.

Keep It A Little Bit Longer With More Detailed Description Than Your Attending- 

At the same time, for most attendings, you probably want to make sure that your dictation is a little bit longer than they would write. Why? Because your faculty precisely knows what the clinician needs from a report and the audience they are writing to address. You don’t know these factors as well. So, it pays to describe a little more than what they would place in their dictation. Additionally, as most attendings do, you should use the dictation as a guide so that you won’t forget what to add to your final note.

Make Sure All The Relevant Findings Are Present

If you are reading a trauma chest CT scan, make sure to put in the dictation that there is no mediastinal hematoma. That statement is probably not valuable if the patient is here for pneumonia instead. So, think about the pertinent negatives and positives you would need to rule in or rule out the diagnosis that the referring physician needs. Even if this adds a few lines to your report, it’s probably a good idea to add it because it can help to figure out the patient’s final disposition.

Be Sure To Make The Detailed Description As Objective As Possible

Objectivity trumps subjectivity any day of the week. Statements should be a matter of fact and not an opinion as much as possible. The extra vocabulary and detail that goes into a report with all the subjective phrases such as “I believe” or “appears/seems” are superfluous at best and harmful at worst. They indicate insecurity to the reading physician. And you probably know what that means! They are going to order more unnecessary tests based on your uncertainty. So, please keep your objectivity in your dictation!

After All Of That, It May Depend On Your Faculty Member

The final consideration you need to determine the length of your dictation is the faculty member reviewing your report. Unfortunately, at your stage, your dictation is not quite yet your own. So, make sure to write the specific details your attending requests. They are often apt to change whatever you finally say anyway. Therefore, make sure to do it the way they want the first time!

How Much Detailed Description Belongs In A Resident Report?

It’s a fine line between too much, too little, and just right in the resident’s report. So, please don’t go too deep into the technical jargon; keep it a little bit longer than your attending; ensure relevant positives and negatives are present; keep it objective, and remember your report is for your attending. These guideposts will eventually get your dictations to the appropriate mean that satisfies your faculty and the referrers so that they can interpret and understand your final read!

 

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Half The Battle Of Residency Is Just Showing Up!

showing up

During residency, life will present you with many options. Sometimes you can decide to study for the boards instead of actively seeking to learn new procedures or experiences. Or, there will be times when you can get out of work early in the afternoon because you went to a half-day conference, and no one is taking attendance anyway. But, radiology residency is only four years. And, the time you have to learn new procedures with experienced professionals and make the mistakes you need to make before you go out into the real world is limited. You may not realize now how critical it is to spend extra time learning what you can and taking advantage of each moment you have as a resident to know your future trade. Hopefully, you will have decades to practice and form the basis of this career in these four years. And half the battle of residency is just showing up. Here is why.

Technical Procedure Practice

Every procedure you complete later adds to your work’s cognitive and muscle memory. And, each time you do a technique again, you are adding a body of knowledge that you will eventually refer to you. It can be something simple as the best way to position a patient. Or, it can be a more complex set of wire movements. We become a bit better each time we complete one of these procedures.

Making Mistakes Now Instead Of Blindly Later

Because we are human, we will make mistakes. And the more mistakes you can make in a protected environment, the less likely you will make those same mistakes later in your career. If you miss a pulmonary nodule as a resident, it’s not a big deal. If you miss that same pulmonary nodule as an attending, it could be the beginning of a horrible lung cancer and a potential lawsuit. The more you miss now that your faculty picks up, the more you are likely to concentrate on those same areas later on so that you will never forget them again.

Showing Up To Expose Yourself To More Incidental Findings

In practice, some of the most complex parts of radiology are not necessarily the specific disease entities. Instead, it is those pesky findings that we make that we can’t but see. Some of them, like pulmonary nodules, have defined Fleishner criteria for following them. However, most don’t have particular rules. And, sometimes, you have to rely on your experience to figure out what to do next. That is something that you can only receive by showing up and reading!

New Disease Entities/Presentations

The more times you see cases, the more likely you will see new presentations of diseases that you know and other findings of pathology that you don’t. It’s like a lottery. Eventually, after a certain number of times, your number will come up due to the odds alone. Why not increase those odds by showing up to your training during residency?

Subconscious Identification Of Normal Variants

Finally, sometimes it’s not the material that we know. Instead, it might be the little findings that we don’t pick up. Subtle curves and lines we all pick up each time we look at an image. Sometimes, we are unsure which ones we can disregard and which are critical. It is only through putting through the motions of reading lots of cases that we can get to the point of confidence. All it takes is to show up!

Every Moment Of Showing Up To Residency Is Important!

Those moments you take advantage of instead of sitting back contribute to your overall body of knowledge even though you may not think much about it at the time. So, take the bull by the horns and practice technique, make mistakes now, and expose yourself to incidental findings, new disease entities, and normal variants to become the seasoned radiologist you need to be. Showing up is half the battle!

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Why Rapid Speech Can Destroy An Interview!

rapid speech

Rapid speech is prevalent when people are in unfamiliar situations. I, myself, tend to talk a bit quickly at times. But an excellent radiology residency interview can turn into something else if you don’t remember to take down the speed of speech a notch or two. We have seen it all too many times. Here are some reasons you should listen to yourself, pace your speaking, and prevent yourself from rapid speech with your interviewer at the speed of light.

Flight Of Ideas Suggests Lack Of Focus

Whether it may or may not be accurate, when you sputter, it implies that you may have difficulty concentrating on one topic at a time. Or, otherwise, this mental state we call a flight of ideas. Residency directors do not want residents that cannot focus on studying, reading films, and performing procedures. All these parts of radiology residency take tons of mental energy and focus. All this ability is cast into doubt when you are speaking rather quickly.

It Might Be Very Difficult To Understand

When you speak quickly and do not enunciate your words well, your speech can become very difficult to understand. Sometimes older folks have an even more challenging time comprehending what you are saying because their hearing is not as good. Regardless, if you are hard to understand because you are speaking so rapidly, imagine what might happen when you have a team of surgeons expecting a verbal wet read. Will you keep on talking incomprehensibly? These thoughts are, first and foremost, among the faculty interviewing you!

Rapid Speech Can Give Your Interviewer An Unsettling Feeling

Have you ever tried to interview a patient with hyperthyroidism? Many times you can’t get a word in edgewise. Why? Because all that thyroid hormone circulating in their system causes elevated metabolism, a rapid heart rate, and pressured speech. Moreover, a conversation usually involves a bit of give and take. In this situation, it is very unsettling to have a conversation with someone that barely lets you respond. The interviewer will most likely be trying to imagine what it would be like to have someone next to them for hours that didn’t ever stop yammering! This trait is not favorable for a radiology resident!

Trying To Hide Something?

In our culture, we perceive those that speak fast to be hiding something. It could be a personality flaw, an issue, or a problem with the application. Regardless, rapid speech could portend deeper issues with the interviewer at hand. We want our candidates to be open book and easy to approach. So, jabbering can destroy the impression that you are trying to make.

Rapid Speech While Interviewing

Talking too quickly is something that you can easily correct, but you will need to think about it and be deliberate. Listen to yourself by taping a mock interview with your colleagues or family on your smartphone or computer. And play it back and see how fast you are talking. If you find yourself hard to understand or with a bit of pressured speech, dial back your speed at the following conversation/interview. And be aware of the pace of your speaking. Although not harmful in and of itself, talking quickly can leave an impression of a lack of focus, incomprehensibility, unsettling feelings, and ideas that you may not be forthcoming. And this is an issue that you can quickly repair. So, fix this issue before you get to your following radiology interview. It can make the difference between achieving a spot in your desired program or not!

 

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Don’t Let Significant Life Events Interrupt Residency!

significant life events

Many of you are guaranteed to have significant life events during your four years. Marriage, family crises, car accidents, and sickness are all part of life. And a four-year period of time is a large enough amount for something huge to change in your life. But, with the daily grind of residency, all these life events can become significantly more complicated. Who has time to be able to leave work at a moment while you are dealing with of myriad of possible life issues? So, what are some of the primary steps you can take to prevent your life from interfering with your work? How can you make sure to preserve your integrity within a radiology residency while these events happen during your radiology residency? Some of these obligations seem like common sense, but this is an excellent checklist for radiology residents. These steps can be easy to forget when life throws you a curveball.

Notify Relevant Faculty

You may be in an uproar because of a challenging event. However, most of your faculty will be understanding. If you are not going to be around because you need to go to court or a funeral, most faculty and attendings will understand. Additionally, you won’t be leaving them in the dust when you don’t show up for work at that time.

Get Coverage

By that same token as above, if you are not going to be around, try to find someone that can take your place if you need coverage for whatever rotation you are on. Now that you are a resident, you need to take responsibility for your actions, and getting coverage shows that you can handle the job.

Find Times That Don’t Interfere With Patient Care

OK. It is certainly not possible to change the time of a funeral. However, you can usually make many critical phone calls, heated conversations, and necessary appointments at times that don’t interfere with patient care. It is merely polite and appropriate to do so. Imagine you were the patient on the other end listening to a personal phone call from your doctor. That whole situation could be a bit embarrassing.

Try To Plan Events With Significant Notice

You can plan some significant life events with notice. Marriages, engagement parties, and meetings to discuss a will don’t have to occur in the middle of a typical workday. Try to plan these events well in advance, so they don’t have to interfere with your training and patient care.

Don’t Assume Everyone Knows Your Significant Life Events

When you are stressed out, not everyone may appreciate your situation. If you feel comfortable telling your colleagues and staff what is appropriate to divulge, let them know what is happening. Most folks will have some empathy for what you are going through at the time. It may even bring you closer to your residency. Most residencies are kind of like a family. Conflicts can arise when people in the family don’t know the issues.

Stay At Home If It Is Needed

Especially nowadays, since the beginning of the COVID pandemic, most faculty have become more sensitive to the issue of staying home if sick or can’t function appropriately at work. And, every once in a while, there is nothing wrong with taking a mental health day. If it makes you able to come back to work soon with renewed strength and attention, it may be worth the day or two that you need for yourself.

Dealing With Significant Life Events During Residency

Four years is a relatively long time to be anywhere, let alone a residency. And personal disasters and happy life occasions/milestones are destined to occur. Some of these events will distract you from the focus of your training. Nevertheless, try to mitigate the effects by following some of these guidelines. Simply telling folks the issues, getting coverage, and finding times to take care of business can make a difference. Following these guidelines allow you to look responsible. And they are ways to ensure that your residency will run more smoothly and without bogging you down with miscommunications and problems during radiology residency. Life interruptions don’t have to ruin your residency experience!

 

 

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Top Nine Signs That You Are Ready To Take Call

take call

Are you wondering if you are at the level of a second-year resident, ready, able, and willing to handle overnight shifts independently so early in the year? Here are the top nine ways you know if you are prepared to take call!

Methodical Thinking/Search Patterns For Each Imaging Study

Do you have a search pattern for every case you attempt to tackle? When reading a CT scan, you should have the same search pattern for every study, including abdomens, necks, heads, legs, and more. Do you have a specific way you approach each of the sequences on an MRI? This approach is the minimum for starting as a resident on call!

Know When To Get Help

If you are not sure about a finding, what do you do? To answer this question, if you are ready for overnights, you will not blurt out the first idea that comes to your mind. Instead, maybe you will contact the ER physician to get more information or do a google search. Knowing when you don’t know something takes maturity and poise.

Don’t Get Too Shaken By The Mob

It’s always tough when you have a team of tired surgeons hanging on your every word. And they want a STAT read yesterday. Nevertheless, you have the confidence to plow through any case with a stream of eyes and ears watching your every move. They will have to wait until you are ready to give them your impression!

You Know All The More Common Disease Entities And Findings That Will Kill Patients Or Cause Severe Morbidity

If you can make the findings of a patient with diverticulitis, aortic ruptures, bleeds, pneumothoraces, and more, you are more than halfway to your goal of taking call. When taking cases independently, these entities should be on top of your mind. And, you should be actively looking for them when you take any study. Those that do will be unlikely to make any significant misses!

Can Tell Normal Versus Abnormal Fairly Quick

When you have seen enough cases, your brain can tell if an image is normal or abnormal before you can verbalize what the problem might be. You have already trained your brain to know what the general findings of a normal case should be. Therefore, you can look at almost any study and know that you should pursue it further if you assess it as abnormal!

You Make The Findings Before Your CT Attending Does

This one is not a requirement. Nevertheless, it is a good sign. If you can make the findings before your faculty member does, you have already been preparing for the time you would start to take calls. Kudos to you!

Notice A Sigh Of Relief When Your Attending Knows You Are On

Knowing when you are wanted can take a bit of emotional EQ. But, if you notice that your attending’s blood pressure drops by a bit and calms down when you arrive in the morning to work on the day’s rotation, this is generally a good sign. You have your faculty trained to know that you do good work.

You Get Phone Calls From ER Physicians To Ask Your Opinion

You are probably doing a fabulous job if you are getting phone calls asking for you by name because they like your reads. Most ER physicians will not actively seek out a junior radiologist instead of faculty to see what you think. You should be honored that they respect your judgment!

Seasoned Technologists Actively Look For You During The Day

Yes, technologists do know a lot. They most likely have been in the same job for years and have seen many cases. If these folks actively seek you during the day to get your opinion over others, you probably know a thing or two. That’s the ultimate compliment!

Are You Ready To Take Call?

Don’t worry if none of these statements pertain to you early in the year. You still have a bit of time. However, try to make some of these signs your goal before the start of your first call. At that point, you will get the hint that you are ready!

 

 

 

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What Milestones Will You Achieve At The Age Of 50?

milestones

Now that I am on the cusp of hitting the big 50 and I have been practicing radiology for nearly twenty years post-residency let me give you some thoughts about where I have gone in my radiology career after residency and fellowship. Life does not end after residency. By showing you my career path and milestones, I hope to give you a bit of perspective on the twists and turns you can expect in your career. Also, you might find it enlightening to see the critical junctures I had and apply them to what you may want to do as you go along in your practice. I will start when I just finished my fellowship in 2004, summarize what happened in approximately five-year intervals from 2009 to 2019, and finish with the present. 

2004- My First Job

As I had just started my first practice, my first goal was to get as much experience as possible to become the best radiologist I could be. Also, paying off my student debts and saving for the eventual purchase of a house was first and foremost on my mind. At this point, I would work extra shifts and read as many cases as possible; it was a considerable adjustment after six years of postgraduate training and medical school. I made sure to attend loads of courses to keep up with radiology. And I was excited to start on a path to a partnership tract. (Turns out that happened during my second job!)

2009 – Partnership Begins

After this point, we had paid down our student loans (one of the significant milestones) and lived in our house for a bit. After years of medical school, residency, fellowship, and partnership track, I felt what it was like to settle down in a stable career; I became ensconced in the radiology residency and began to take on new roles once I started as a partner in a partnership. And, I began to learn a bit more about the intricacies of the business of radiology, not just the day-to-day practice. Work and routines became more familiar and seemed like a family.

2015-2016- Expansion And New Roles- Many New Milestones

Our practice began to grow incrementally with the acquisition of new hospital contracts and outpatient sites. Learning about how mergers and acquisitions work was fascinating as part of this expansion. And I became the medical director of one of our outpatient sites. To this day, I continue to run this private office. During this period, I learned about all the organizations and issues with new sites, ensured appropriate staffing, and began covering all the different areas at this site. The outpatient office has become a second home within the practice for me.

Then, in 2016, I decided to start up radsresident.com on a whim due to my interest in teaching and the internet. Still, it has been an incredible experience that merges all the aspects of radiology, technology, and writing that I enjoy. And it’s been going strong ever since!

2022- The Fun Continues

To this day, I still enjoy the complex cases and people that I have met in radiology since I started. Although I am no longer gung-ho about working extra shifts like at the beginning of 2004, the residency program, this website, and my day-to-day work continue to challenge me. And I look forward to going in to work every week. Moreover, extra-curricular activities play a more significant role in my life. Yes, they have changed over the past twenty years, but they are critical for having a fulfilling life and career.

What Are The Milestones You Expect Over Your Career?

Indeed, I could not have exactly predicted what would happen to my radiology career since my fellowship ended. If you had told me after finishing my training in 2004 that I would be running a blog, a residency program, and an outpatient office while being a partner in practice at 50 years old, I am not sure if I would have believed you. Changes along my career path have made the past twenty years enjoyable. So, I advise you to embrace the milestones you will experience in your career. It will make for a much more rich and exciting path. For me, I expect the next twenty years to be no different!

 

 

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Why Mission Statements Are Mission Critical

mission statements

Ever thought about what kind of radiologist you wanted to be? Many of you, you were probably thinking about private practice. Others have thought about writing papers and becoming the academic type. Maybe you are a hands-on radiologist and like to have your fingers on everything. And, a distinct minority of you may have opted for the business route. But have you ever noticed the website of the residency you attended or are interested in joining? Many of you have not thought twice about it. But, at the beginning of your residency website, mission statements describe what the residency program strives to be. Does that match what you have ultimately wanted to become? You may not realize it, but it is probably a pretty good match in most cases. And that is for a good reason. It is what the program that you attended trained you to become.

For those applying to residencies, this message about your residency should play a significant role in your decision to interview and rank the programs you attend. But, it usually is barely a thought within the application process. Getting into a residency program itself can be daunting enough. Nevertheless, I wouldn’t blow this message aside. It could make the difference between a career you desire and one you will regret. And here are the critical reasons why.

Mentorship

If you attend a program with a mission statement that contradicts what you strive to achieve, it can make it a bit more challenging to obtain the desired outcome. For instance, if you are going to a program without a research emphasis and want to learn to write papers, you will have a more challenging time finding a mentor who can teach you the ropes. It’s not impossible. But, you will not find it as easy to learn the tricks of the trade. To get high-quality papers published, you need certain ingredients. And, you are more likely to find the know-how in a program that does say research in its mission statement.

Or, if you are interested in global radiology and the program does not state anything about it, you are less likely to find a radiologist that works outside the country to emulate. You will have a harder time finding the connections you need to make a similar jump in your career.

Location/Reputation

Some programs mention that they are well known regionally, nationally, or internationally. Depending on where you want to stake your reputation, this factor can influence the location of your practice when you finally set up shop. A regionally known residency is excellent if you want to stay in the area. Likewise, if you wish to have connections throughout the country, consider a program with a national reputation. And, if you want international referrals and work, a residency with this reputation may be the right one for you. These choices can impact where you decide to work in the end.

Procedural

You will notice the words hands-on in some residency mission statements. This verbiage symbolizes that the staff has the procedural know-how to train its residents to feel comfortable with many radiology procedures. Not all programs emphasize these skills. So, it is critical to figure out if you want a residency with a procedure-heavy emphasis. It’s not necessarily for everyone!

Cultural Factors

Other mission statements will claim to have to maintain a diverse class. These residencies may utilize culture/race/sex in addition to interests and competencies to decide which residents to rank in their program. So, expect a more racially/ethnically diverse mix in these programs than another one that does not mention this factor. 

Connections and Mission Statements

If you cull through mission statements with a fine-tooth comb, you will notice that they may talk about connections within the community, global resources, businesses/industry, or other departments. Take these connections seriously because they may influence your residency and where you ultimately decide to practice. They may allow you to branch out to other areas that may jibe with your interests. It’s something else to mull.

Mission Statements Are More Critical Than What You Might Initially Think!

When you decide on a residency, that little phrase at the beginning of the residency website holds much power over your future career. Generally, it is a theme that the residency program follows seriously and can impact where you want to practice and what you will eventually do. So, before deciding where you want to go, take a second look at this clause. And determine if the values and ideals derived from these mission statements mesh with yours!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Do “Fancy” Residency Websites Mean Better Programs?

residency websites

Sure, some residency websites blow others out of the water. They have more fancy videos, smiling attendings, and satisfied residents. Their FAQs are thorough, and the mission statement is clear. But does this fluff and bluster mean you are in for a better ride during your residency? Or, does the word of your colleagues and faculty take precedence over anything you might see or hear on a residency application website? Let’s come to our conclusions. 

The History

Once upon a time, years ago, believe it not, there were no residency websites. And even after that, when I applied in 1997-1998, they were more of a mere afterthought. Anyone worth their salt would do their digging into the ins and outs of residency programs. Programs barely updated their information because the number of eyeballs hitting the web was far from what it is today. It simply was not the primary way to assess a program.

Fast forward to our time, and that is no longer the case. The currency of the world as we know it is the internet. And, if you don’t play that game, you lose.

Does A “Fancy Pants” Website Equal Better?

Let’s talk about some of the positives of well-curated residency websites. First, it shows that the residency program or hospital put some forethought into their online presence. So, it signifies hospital organization and a desire for the entity running the video to recruit residents. Remember. Creating a decent website is not required, so that is all well and good. Therefore, there is a tendency for residencies with high-quality websites to have more resources.

However, websites only show you the best of what the residency program and institution want to show. They will not let you know that they have not met their annual requirements to publish articles. Or, it will not tell you that they barely passed the last site visit due to a lack of faculty motivation. So, be very careful to believe everything the website wants you to see.

How Should You Evaluate Residency Websites In Your Calculus For Making A Decision?

Websites are helpful for a superficial survey of what the program may have to offer. Suppose the mission statement on the website declares that they aim to produce community radiologists. Then, it is probably true that you are looking at a program that deemphasizes research to make residents into good quality overall radiologists. So, if you are gung-ho about radiology research, it may be a way to exclude that residency program.

However, suppose you like the residency because the faces all looked happy, and the culture seemed benign. In that case, you will never know from watching a few videos from the institution and mulling the rhetoric on the website. It is a facade. I recommend checking the institution for yourself to know more about a program’s reputation.

Residency Websites: A Serious Business

Given the competition for the best residents among institutions, residency websites have become more of a significant business than years ago. But, it is a means of promotion. It may not demonstrate all the facts you need to hear before making your final decisions. So, regardless of whether a website is glorious or lousy, look under the cover and dig a little bit deeper if you are still interested in the program. Interview and check out the facilities if you still like them. And, of course, talk to the residents in the program if possible to get the real scoop. Don’t ever rely on a residency website and your primary/only source of information to make your final decisions!

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Are You Ready?

ready

The middle of June begins the annual season of change for radiology residencies. The first graduates start to move out as they have held their last few weeks of residency vacation to dedicate this time to move. And new residents prepare to find housing in the area and prepare for the new academic year. Even the first-year residents have an enormous transition from readers and observers to active participants in night shifts and calls. Since so much happens now, let’s discuss a checklist of some items you may not think about or forget before starting the new year. Don’t worry. I have you covered!

Bone Up A Bit On The Basics To Get Ready Before Starting

Whether you are about to start residency, call, or fellowship, why not take the time to read a bit before starting. Many fellow interns and residents say not to do anything before starting your new phase. But, many of them are not radiology trainees. We have more reading than most other specialties out there. So, get cracking. 

Suppose you are an intern. Read some anatomy atlases (if you haven’t done so already!). If you are about to take overnight call, consider some case review series, especially for ER radiology. And, if you are a fellow, start reading about some of the critical areas within your newfound subspecialty. Any bit of reading can give you a headstart.

Find Housing Close To Your Residency Program

You have limited time to get out there and find housing with all the pressures upon you. But, if I have to give one sagely piece of advice, you are usually best off living fairly close (optimally within a ten-minute radius)—the less time in the car or some form of transport, the better. You will have more time for studying and, perhaps just as importantly, more time for yourself. This advice comes from someone who has lived near and far from their line of work. It’s not worth the pain to live farther away!

Remember To Start Up Your Savings And Investments

Some of you will have the option of starting up 401ks with matches or making automatic contributions to Roth IRA. Regardless, before starting, don’t forget to automatize all these investments. As residents, you will not have as much time for a hands-on approach. So, start up those automated investments into those stock index funds before beginning. Trust me. Your future self will thank you many years from now!

Start-Up Car And Renters Insurance

Many of you are moving. So, don’t forget to change up all your insurances. Sure it can be a pain in the neck, especially if you are moving to a new state. But, it is a necessary evil. The last event you need is to start residency after a theft that you can’t recover or have issues with your car once you have already started. Make sure all these insurances are in place before you start.

Make Sure You Have Your Medical Licenses And Credentialing Ready To Go

Some of you will need your state medical license before beginning residency. Others will be able to use the hospital license. Either way, you will still have much to do to ensure that you get it processed and ready to go. Credentialing in all forms can be more arduous than you might think. And, it pays not to worry much about it after you start. So, get everything in as soon as possible, so you will not worry about the details during your residency!

J1 Visas, Etc…

Finally, for foreign graduates, don’t forget to ensure that all the paperwork you need to stick around is complete and ready to go. We have seen a few folks that had a problem getting back into the United States because they did not finish their paperwork. It happens!

Are You Ready? Get Psyched For The Change!

So many errands to do before starting and so little time to do them. Here is a bit of a nudge to get you going so you can start the year with a bang. Before starting, take a gander at this list and ask yourself, what did I forget? This list can help you recall what you need. But, most importantly look forward to the next academic year. Change is exciting and will be here before you know it!

 

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Residency Is Not The Time To Live Far Away!

live far away

It’s about that time of the year. You have recently matched into your internship or are about to move on to your radiology residency. And, it’s time to choose a place to live. You are probably not sure about the areas; many choices await you or your loved ones. Do you move close to your residency where not much happens? Or, do you live in a more cultural part of town? How about living closer to where you and your spouse want to be? How much should you spend? Is the area safe around the hospital where you are going to work? Many of you will face these questions over the next several months as you start your search for a place.

Out of all those questions, what is the most critical decision? Of course, you can stare at the title and probably come up with the conclusion! But, it is true. Make sure to prioritize living reasonably close to your residency site. Let me give you some good reasons for making this a significant priority during residency.

Every Minute On The Road Reduces Your Time To Study And Family Time

Time is one of your most valuable commodities as a radiology resident. You need it to study, spend time with family, and accomplish all the goals you set out to do. However, the farther you decide to live, the less time you will have for fitting all these critical activities into your schedule. Especially when you have very little, to begin with. Does it matter if there are tons of theaters nearby if you can rarely get to them because you need to study for your boards? Probably not!

Paying Up Now To Be Closer May Make The Difference Between Owing More Later!

If living close to the hospital costs more, it may pay for itself eventually. Let me explain. Living far away has many additional costs. Remember you have to factor in other expenses as well. There is the gas price (now at a record high!). And, of course, there is also the price of not passing the boards because you do not have the time to study. So, consider keeping close to the residency program site if you can!

If You Live Far Away, The More Exhausted You Will Be

Trust me. This factor is critical. I used to drive an hour or hour and a half to get back and forth to work. And, you don’t realize the tax that your will body will encounter with all that driving time. Traffic can become very frustrating. And, there is always a risk of getting into an accident late at night when on call.

Moreover, sitting for so long is not so great for you either. It’s a recipe for bad health and exhaustion. You can avoid all this by renting nearby!

More Things To Do, More Distractions!

Perhaps, you will have lots to do when you live in the city’s heart, possibly far from your residency program. But, that may come at the expense of the time you will need to study and participate in the residency program. Distractions can take a toll on the constant need that you will have to learn radiology. So, consider this when you make your final decision about where to live.

Emergencies Happen 

And, finally, of course, invariably, you will have emergencies at work that will happen. Maybe you forget your bag at work. Or, you need to help to cover a colleague. Whatever the case may be, it can be very challenging to take care of these events when you live far from the hospital!

Don’t Live Far Away During Residency!

Residency is a time to hunker down and complete all the requirements you need to succeed in your prospective field. Why jeopardize your future by making it more difficult for yourself now? Living far away can reduce the time for work and life, increase expenses, augment exhaustion and distractions, and make it much more difficult in an emergency. So, if you have to pick the most critical issue about selecting a place to live, it is to live closer to your new job. It will make a world of difference!