email from school rotations coordinator. subject line: 'February- Burn Out Month'

Good afternoon Class of 2013,


February tends to be the medical student month of burnt out. The holidays are over and valentine’s day is depressing. You are bored with and or annoyed by your rotations. You’ve had at least one mildly traumatizing rotation and have likely had at least one major life change (break up, loss of a loved one, financial change, new child).

It is around this time when students relax into a place of snarky irreverence that leads to uncomfortable conversations with me. For those of you who are maintaining your professional skill set you may be struggling with a mild form of generalized anxiety disorder or depression.  Unfortunately, this is normal.

There is a common sense approach to staying healthy and (sort of) happy…

Here is my list of recommendations for “How to avoid awkward meetings with Dr. White.”

1.       Get some rest – sleepy students are grumpy students. And grumpy students act out.

2.       Avoid sugar and carbs Monday – Friday.  Nuts, berries and chopped veggies make excellent snacks.

3.       Spend time with your non-medical friends.  You are making each other bonkers – go get some perspective.

4.       Plan a weekend away or a really fun date.

5.       Make time for exercise. Stretch your neck and back daily and take the stairs.

6.       Remember to say “please” and “thank you”

7.       Continue to follow S – O – A – P format in your notes and presentations. “This fat guy needs more insulin” is not an assessment.

8.       Ask for feedback at least once/week from your preceptor or resident.

9.       Read about your patients each night.

10.   Ask for help.



Hang in there. Spring is coming.

-Dr. W