While the life of an intern can be particularly demanding, one of the things I personally try to encourage is "extracurricular" activity. All these individuals are multi-talented and have outside interests that have been an important part of their lives, whether it's sports, music, art, literature, family, religion, etc.
In certain respects, medical school and residency (to some degree) prolong their "adosescence." They have to put their lives on "hold." Residents' lives become extremely focused on their work. They may lose touch with those things that have brought them pleasure and happiness (not to say that the practice of medicine is not fulfilling) - things that contribute to their general well-being.
I try to encourage our residents to pursue their outside interests and passions - to continue to grow and blossom as individuals; to find themselves again. This, in turn, makes them more real, in touch, and perhaps, better doctors.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
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