Post-graduate internships in medicine: 9 pieces of advice from doctors and medical students

The post-graduate internship is the final phase of the training required of a physician. To be eligible for the Physician Licensure Examination, one must complete a 12-month post-graduate internship program.

Post-graduate internships can be career-shaping experiences. We talked to some doctors and medical professionals, and gave us 8 pieces of advice on taking up post-graduate internships:

1. Post-graduate internships are physically draining

Post-graduate internships are physically demanding. You will be expected to show up for numerous shifts—for long hours—carrying out numerous tasks at a time.

Be prepared for the physical challenges post-graduate internships will impose.

2. Have open lines of communication

Medical professionals recommend having open lines of communication with everybody at your post-graduate internship. 

Because work in the medical sector can be physically draining–especially during the pandemic–be compassionate to others and to yourself. Everyone you’re working with is likely tired, stressed, and sleep-deprived.

Try not to use social media as the first line of airing out grievances. Depending on where you take up your post-graduate internship, there are usually training offices where you can share your concerns.

3. Always ask questions

Most interns are embarrassed to ask questions, as they assume that they have to know everything during their post-graduate internships. But the truth is, nobody knows everything!

Have the courage to ask questions, even at the risk of looking like you don’t know what you’re doing. Nobody expects you to have much experience during your post-graduate internship. 

Your supervisors want to see you show interest in how the job works. It’s better to be sure, rather than to make a mistake and make up for it later on.

4. Transition to the mindset that you are a medical professional

Some interns often forget that taking up a post-graduate internship can be a job in itself; you are expected to take it very seriously.

Medicine students can fall into the trap that they’re junior interns, simply getting their feet wet and seeing how things work. When in fact, they’re post-graduate interns: expected to take on more responsibilities (under supervision, of course).

5. Soft skills are just as crucial to pick up

Beyond memorizing medical terms and jargon, picking up soft skills is just as crucial.

For the duration of your post-graduate internship, you will be constantly thrown into environments where you’ll have to speak to and coordinate with people from different walks of life.

Being curious and open is not easy; it takes commitment and energy. Be prepared to speak with lots of people from various backgrounds during your internship.

6. Relationship management is one of the greatest difficulties

Relationship management is probably one of the biggest life changes post-graduate interns undergo.

Your post-graduate internship is the beginning of a big life shift. You and your co-interns’ social lives will drastically change. 

Coordinating schedule conflicts for personal vacations, missing weekends, attending required social functions, and managing co-intern relationships can be socially-draining.

7. Exert the amount of effort relative to your post-graduate internship expectations

Remember what we said before about setting expectations for your post-graduate internships? This is where this pre-planning comes in handy.

If you want to learn and to get the most out of your post-graduate internship, maybe you’ll want to show more initiative like asking for extra tasks.

On the other hand, there is nothing wrong with doing the bare minimum if that aligns with your personal goals for your post-graduate internship. It’s all about setting expectations and making decisions that align with them.

8. The best way to get through your post-graduate internship is to show up

Many medical professionals agree that the post-graduate internship phase is a trial by fire. It will be challenging and demanding.

The best thing they recommend for powering through your post-graduate internship: just show up. Take each shift, day, week at a time. This leads us to their final piece of advice…

9. It’s okay to quit if it’s not your calling

There is no pressure to pursue your professional career in medicine if it is truly not your calling. Post-graduate internships are intense, but they are also character-forming.

Post-graduate internships can reveal much about yourself–especially your life goals. There is no harm in quitting if it’s not for you.

Conclusion

Post-graduate internships are character-forming phases in the career path of aspiring medical professionals and doctors. 

Post-graduate internships are demanding. But if this career pathway is your calling, then it will be worth it.

Looking for worthwhile working opportunities in the field of medicine? Find the best possible start to your medical career!