Things to do before you become a doctor

Seau-Tak Cheung advises on what to do before becoming a house officer

The day is fast approaching when thousands of final year medical students will enter the brotherhood that they have been waiting for so patiently. With all the excitement and rush to hold this prestigious title, it is easy to forget the hardships ahead. Now that I am a seasoned house officer, I would like to share my wisdom so that you may use your time wisely before 1 August--the day when you wear your shining white coats for real.

Travel to where you have always wanted to go

While at medical school it is possible to take holidays of two or three months duration. Instead of using this time to explore the exotic places that this planet has to offer, a couple of weeks somewhere in the south of Spain is closer to reality. For those in the final year, there will not be another opportunity for several decades where you can take so much time to travel. At present, house officers can take 24 days' leave, which seems a reasonable number of days off. However, it is highly unlikely that this leave can be taken all at once, because it is divided equally among the different rotations that you have to do--and any unused leave from one rotation cannot be carried over into the next, unless you know a very understanding consultant.

Read that book now

Once you start work, time will be the commodity that you will lack most. With the majority of on-call rotas being similar to tests of endurance and the wards like places of chaos, it is not surprising that time remains precious--and if you are not working, then you are likely to be found fast asleep dreaming of when you had the easy life of a medical student. If anyone has aspirations of starting a lengthy novel after 1 August don't be too disappointed if you fail to meet your deadline for finishing it.

Don't forget me

The expression "there are plenty of fish in the sea" does not hold true for many doctors. It is difficult to find the ideal partner at the best of times but when you are working so many hours in the week, devoting enough time to forge an everlasting relationship can be extremely challenging. For those already attached, hard times may be ahead of you, especially if you are going to a hospital where you will be far apart. Whatever your situation, whether single or attached, it is important that you have someone to talk to, for there will be times when you will question your desire to carry on in medicine and this is when you need the greatest support. So remember, do not forget your friends for they will be one of your most valuable assets.

Money makes the world go round

With the recent pay increase and restructuring of payment for out of hours work, house officers have never been paid so well. Some will go dizzy with all this money and rush out and spend like there is no tomorrow. But beware of the many vultures after your hard earned cash and, mark my words, these vultures will always be near you. They will even be there before you have graduated--just look at your post; as the day of the graduation approaches it is not surprising to note that the number of junk letters increases. It is wise to be strong willed with these inducements and put them straight in the bin. The benefits of student banking do not last forever--the low interest loans, interest free overdrafts, free this, free that. However, many of these benefits continue for one year after graduation only if you had a student account. These benefits should be granted automatically but sometimes this does not happen. So it is best to confirm your graduation details with your bank, backed up with documentation.

Say hello to granny

There will be many a time when your heart sinks when you have to treat an old woman with nothing much wrong with her, apart from no one caring for her. Before you dismiss her for wasting your time, remember that your granny may at some time need help from a house officer who has a similar uncaring attitude. Take the time to visit your granny before you start and you will then understand that medicine is not all about prescribing drugs and often only tender loving care is what is needed. Remember, the amount of tender loving care you are able to give will define the type of doctor you will become.

Make every breath count

Before you start work, it would be wise to spend as much time as possible outdoors and savour the fresh air, even if you live in a large polluted city. Believe me, when you start work it is easy not to venture outside for days and days, and then go temporarily insane.

The final countdown

So, you have followed my advice and there are now only a few days to go before the big day. You can now look back on how well you have spent the past few weeks. You have travelled to all the four corners of the Earth, read that novel that you have always been meaning to read, promised to keep in contact with all your friends, your financial affairs are in order, you appreciate the beauty of your environment, and have a better understanding of the elderly. Some may say that I am being overdramatic with this advice, but have no doubt the moment you step on the ward as a doctor your life will change beyond all recognition--but the beauty is you will make wonderful changes in other people's lives.

Seau-Tak Cheung, preregistration house officer, Milton Keynes General Hospital
Email: hello_tak@hotmail.com


studentBMJ 2001;09:261-304 August ISSN 0966-6494