Experiencing the First Day of Medical Internship: A Journey of Nerves, Excitement, and Triumph

For medical students, the transition from student to intern represents a significant milestone in their professional journey. This article delves into the mixed feelings of nervousness and excitement on the very first day of medical internship.

Initial Feelings and Preparations

Like any other large-scale transition, the initial days of a medical internship can be daunting. As a medical student transitioning into the roles of an intern, one can experience a mix of emotions – excitement for the potential of treating patients and nervousness about applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.

Nervousness

Every medical intern faces the same challenge of handling patients for the first time. This adds a layer of nervousness to the already complex process of undergoing internships in Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics Gynecology, and other specialties. Initially, the nervousness is palpable, but with time, the experience becomes more routine. This process involves learning the basics and adjusting to the environment, a stage that can take some days to achieve.

The Internship Day-to-Day Experience

A Day in the Life of a Medical Intern

6:00 AM - Woke up 8:00 AM - Reached Hospital 9:00 AM - Briefing with the Unit Head 10:00 AM - Meet Up with Residents 10:07 AM - Started Interacting with Patients 2:00 PM - Lunch Break 2:15 PM - Back to Patient Ferrying Duties 5:00 PM - Still FERRYing Patients 6:00 PM - Collecting Lab Reports 7:00 PM - Emergent Patient Situation XX:XX PM/AM - End the Day Hitting the Bed

Each day marks a roller coaster of different emotions. From being excited about the first day to feeling anxious due to the responsibilities and the grueling schedules, interns must adapt to working long hours, balancing patient care, and academic duties.

This Day's Experience

7am - Woke up 7am-8am - Revision of topics to office work today 8am-9am - Brush, Bath, and Getting Ready with new official dress 9am-9:30am - Breakfast 9:30am - Left for office 10am-7pm - Straight work for 9 hours 8pm-9pm - Dinner 9pm-10pm - Streaming GOT episode 2 11pm - Writing this answer Prepare for sleep

Internships: Academic and Industrial

The journey through internships does not end with the medical field. Two notable internships stand out – one at IIT Hyderabad and the other at Coriolis Technologies Pune. Both experiences brought unique sets of emotions and feelings.

IIT Hyderabad: A Feel of Being an IITian

As an IIT student, the experience of being an intern at IIT Hyderabad was filled with pride. Every moment counted, from getting a coffee with an IIT professor, to the warm welcome and the academic environment. This experience reinforced the sense of belonging and the pride in being part of the IIT community.

Coriolis Technologies Pune: The Transition to Being an Employee

The shift from an academic setting to an industrial workplace was significant. At Coriolis Technologies, the interns were given their own chambers and access cards, representing a sudden transition from student life to professional roles. This experience brought a sense of accomplishment and a new perspective on career readiness.

Residents as Mentors and Support

Residents, often portrayed as "demons," serve as mentors and support for interns. While these residents might seem grueling and intense, they push interns to their limits for a purpose. These mentors have a heavy workload and take on a significant amount of responsibility, ensuring that interns learn and grow. As one gets to know them, a new respect for their efforts and dedication develops.

Conclusion

The first day of a medical internship may seem overwhelming, marked by a mix of excitement and nervousness. However, it paves the way for a rewarding career filled with experiences and personal growth. Being an intern is more than just a role; it is a journey of learning, resilience, and triumph.