AMA VICDOC Spring 2023 - Magazine - Page 31
There were
many days when
I honestly felt
terrified of the
fact that
"I am a doctor".
happened to me, I was stunned!
I made a medication error. For
context, this happened during one of
my first MET calls and I had briefly
left the patient’s bedside to source
a computer and order imaging.
While doing this, I was approached
and asked to chart melatonin for a
different patient. I charted it, then
returned to the MET call. The
error I had made was charting the
wrong medication unit and when it
was brought to my attention, I felt
guilty and embarrassed.
I had always considered my
approach to work as careful and
thorough. Again, this does overlap
with my earlier ‘learning as an
intern’ discussion, however the
point I want to make here is it’s
really crucial not to negatively dwell
on the mistakes you make. It is
important to re-evaluate and reflect
on your practice, but don’t let this
be at the cost of your self-worth.
I haven’t forgotten this mistake,
however I am no longer plagued
with those feelings of guilt
and embarrassment.
Finally, I consider myself
incredibly lucky to have known more
than half of my co-interns prior to
starting work, some of whom were
close friends. It’s hard to describe
the relationships I have formed with
the interns with whom I worked last
year. Offering a listening ear to my
problems and alleviating my stress
with kind words of support and
reinforcing that I am doing my best
has been invaluable.
There is something utterly
therapeutic and comforting in
voicing your problems aloud
with those who have most likely
encountered the same experiences
as yourself. It has continuously
reinforced that I am not alone.
I am sorry — but also not very
sorry - for the countless rants
that I shared with my co-interns,
because by the end of the day it
meant I went home feeling a little
less frazzled and a little more sane!
PULSE
It’s really
crucial not
to negatively
dwell on the
mistakes
you make.
I wish all of our 2021
interns the best of luck.
