Noticing the good

When I started residency, I had great seniors who guided me through the transition period. It is always hard to start a new job, even more in a new country. Fortunately, I had great support; I was never alone. As a first-year resident, I made mistakes due to my medical inexperience or not knowing the system. After noticing my mistakes, my seniors and attendings corrected them while I felt embarrassed. A lot of stress comes from trying not to make mistakes. During those times, if I received no comments or feedback, I was doing a good job.

The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) rotation came, and I had to take care of the well-born babies. I was relieved to notice that the notes and placing orders were easier than expected, reducing the chances of mistakes. I thought this month I would have no comments or feedback.

To my surprise, I received a lot of feedback on this rotation. Every day, the senior resident congratulated me for placing the correct order, checking on my patient, and tracking a lab result, which was my job and responsibility; I hadn’t done anything extraordinary. Yet, I was acknowledged for doing my job right. The shifts in the NICU were long (12-hour shifts, 6 days a week), but instead of feeling stressed, I would feel confident. The recognition was special because it came from another resident who worked beside me every day and could notice the smaller things.

Working with a cap of 80 hours a week, missing your family and friends, and being unable to do other things you enjoy are what you sign up for when you start residency. Although it is rewarding to help and see your patients getting better, sometimes it can feel like the only time someone notices you is when you make mistakes. I believe that noticing the good should be a regular culture among residents. It can cheer up someone’s day and make someone feel seen.

As a senior resident, you get the opportunity to lead a team. You have junior and intern residents, medical students, nurses, and ancillary staff awaiting your directions. Each team member is working towards the same goal: serving the children and families. Every successful discharge is a result of each member’s small or big contributions. It is important to remember this. This is for all the seniors and junior residents who will become seniors next year. Take time to give good feedback to your team members; notice the good and be specific and detailed. Serving should not be limited to our patients; we should serve our co-residents, medical students, and staff. One way to do this is by recognizing their hard work. You can make someone’s day better just by doing so.

Dedicated to Dushyant Mukkamala. My senior in the NICU.