As a first-year cardiology fellow, I have worked with a lot of different medical students and residents. Here are some of the traits that I have seen among my favorite medical students and residents, and those I try to emulate:
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1) Punctuality: Often the easiest (and sometimes most challenging) trait that shows commitment, dedication, and respect for your work and team. If you are able to show up even 5 minutes before your expected time and start settling in, this will earn respect among your peers.
2) Honesty: During rounds, you will be asked numerous questions (vitals, labs, HPI, previous work-up, etc). It can feel overwhelming to readily know all this information. If you are unsure, just say 'I'm not sure.' This had lot more value than guessing or providing incorrect info
2) Furthermore, lot of times when fellows/attendings are asking questions, they are thinking out loud. When medical students/residents are honest and trustworthy with the provided data, there is increased confidence and less need to verify the information.
3) Receptive to feedback: Lot of learning during rotations is through direct and indirect feedback. If a fellow/attending takes time to review presentation skills, documentation, physical exam findings, etc. try your best to incorporate it for the next encounter.
For example, when medical students ask for feedback on their presentation skills and utilize it the next day, this earns my respect and provides me satisfaction. As a learner, show that you value the input from your seniors and demonstrate a desire to improve.
4) Curiosity: In medical training, understanding >> memorization. I love when medical students and residents ask me questions about clinical presentations. Even if you are not interested in a specific speciality, try your best to be an active learner and stay engaged.
4) If you are curious about a topic, both fellows and attendings will sense this and feel more inclined to foster the curiosity. This can lead to further educational opportunities through teaching. In general, fellows and attendings will love to talk about their field.
5) Empathy: Unfortunately, there have been studies that show as people progress through medical training, their empathy decreases. As students and residents, remember the patient you are seeing is a human being suffering from pathology and requesting your help!
A strong trait is taking time out of your schedule to talk with family members to provide updates and reassurance. It is a scary experience of being hospitalized. Even the small things as asking if patients want extra blankets or helping call their nurse can make a huge impact.
6) Positive Attitude: Work-days can be long and up to 12 hours long. It makes it 1000x better when you are working with team members that have a positive attitude are not complaining. Try your best not to become annoyed/upset/frustrated when you receive a new consult/ admission
This attitude is something that can be picked up (consciously or unconsciously) by your team members, fellows, and attendings. Every patient you see has potential to teach you something new, either about pathology, communication skills, breaking bad news, etc. Stay positive!
7) Communication skills: This is an art that takes practice and refinement. During the work-day you will be communicating continuously with the team members, staff (nurses, PT/OT, respiratory therapy, etc), patients / their families. Adapt the way you communicate
and explain things based on the situation. For example, during rounds and when presenting, use the appropriate scientific jargon. However, when you are in front of patients, adapt your communication skills explain in a method for better understanding.
Remember, patients can be overwhelmed, anxious, and sleep-deprived during their admission. It can be tough to process complex medical information during the day. Take your time explaining the information, repeat it multiple times, and ask for their understanding or questions.
Try to get 1% better each day. I hope this helps in your journey!
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