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How do you find good work-life balance during residency?
(for medical residency)
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2 answers
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James’s Answer
I was a resident long before work-hour restrictions, so had 100+-hour work weeks at times. Even with that ridiculous reality, I found that I could get through by
1) making work as fun and social as possible through making friends, considering learning a joy, and taking advantage of all opportunities to find enjoyment
2) Being kind to myself by allowing time for play, for sleep, and for my wife and friends
3) Eating healthy food
4) getting a reasonable amount of exercise
Medical training can be grueling, but remember how much good you are, and will be doing for others. Enjoy the learning. Form bonds with your colleagues. Let yourself have moments to cry, but aim to find plenty of moments to laugh and love.
1) making work as fun and social as possible through making friends, considering learning a joy, and taking advantage of all opportunities to find enjoyment
2) Being kind to myself by allowing time for play, for sleep, and for my wife and friends
3) Eating healthy food
4) getting a reasonable amount of exercise
Medical training can be grueling, but remember how much good you are, and will be doing for others. Enjoy the learning. Form bonds with your colleagues. Let yourself have moments to cry, but aim to find plenty of moments to laugh and love.
Updated
Parin’s Answer
This is a great question and an important part of life to think about when choosing a medical career. The answer varies based on a person's specialty, when they trained (as there have been duty hour limits in the last 10 years), and where they trained. I'm an OB/GYN, which means I work in a surgical field that is working 24/7. Babies can be born at any time, even on holidays, and there are some GYN emergencies that need quick attention and sometimes surgery, no matter what time it is. However, I believe balance is personal. During my residency, I worked 70-80 hours a week but felt I had a good balance while still learning and growing as a doctor. Some weeks were tougher than others, and I was definitely tired after four years, but I enjoyed my training and have good memories of it. I wouldn't suggest going into medicine just for work-life balance, but it's something to think about based on your short-term and long-term goals. Life after residency isn't super easy either. Most doctors agree they still work hard, often more than 50 hours a week full time, and there are various career demands after training, depending on the specialty and practice type. Hope this helps!