“Am I going to be the worst resident in the history of residents?” Tiffany said as she started out her residency in Sunnybrook’s family practice unit.

Tiffany was one of the 4,000 students who come to Sunnybrook to learn each year. She let us join in her journey. Throughout the year, Tiffany met with videographer Monica Matys to document her story.

Now, as she starts her tenure as chief medical resident of the family practice unit, we say goodbye to Tiffany. (Though, maybe she will check in with us here and there, we hope!)

Tiffany says she learned a lot in the past year.

“I’ve learned so much about myself, and about patients and people in general,” she said. “I’ve learned it’s OK to feel something for your patients. It’s OK to connect with them, to not be a stone-faced person around them.”

She said she’s enjoyed being part of the web series to allow others to see what being a resident is like.

“I really hope you’ve all been able to see what it’s been like going through this process. And thank you for going through this process with me. I’ve learned that I’m doing what I love.”

Have a look at Tiffany’s final webisode below.

What do you think? Did you learn from Tiffany? What major lesson did you learn in your first year of residency?

The post Day in the Life of Medical Resident: Final webisode appeared first on Your Health Matters.

As millions embrace the release of The Hunger Games on the big screen, health professional students all across the GTA are gearing up for a battle of their own – entering into the job market.

In preparation for our final test of aptitude and intellect, students spend upwards of six-to-eight years training in demanding post-secondary and clinical institutions.

We write, we present, and we collaborate until we’re sure that we cannot possibly do it again.

And then we do.

This same process is then repeated in the hospital setting where we must prove to our peers and superiors that we are capable and competent. Not a small task when we are also trying to convince ourselves.

During our training, we all develop unique strengths and clinical skills. As the end nears, however, we also begin to realize the incredible number of other students just like us – each with their own set of skills. It is after this realization (and as graduation looms), that conversations about extra learning or networking opportunities become more guarded, and job search strategies become strictly confidential.

At a time of economic uncertainty and instability in healthcare funding, health professional students feel especially vulnerable. As an article in the Globe and Mail last week highlighted, “competition for jobs when the unemployment rate is high has given employers the luxury of being more selective in new hiring’s.” Just reading those words has the ability to increase student anxiety.

Despite this, I myself will enter the job search arena next week. I am keeping my fingers crossed that when I am selected, it is for a job opportunity and not for The Hunger Games. Although at this moment they both seem to be a fight for survival. I know the competition is tough, but I am confident I will be successful in my hunt. My only concern is how hungry I will get before I succeed.

Looking back on my training, I am thankful for my many mentors and teachers both at Sunnybrook and the University of Toronto. They have provided me with the tools I need to begin my career as a Social Worker, and are cheering me on as I take this next step. They have also reminded me that, “we are all learners”, and that although my formal instruction is ending, I have a lifetime of learning ahead of me.

Stacey Creak

Social Work Intern

Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre

The post My Learning Experience @ Sunnybrook appeared first on Your Health Matters.

The post Patient Safety Simulation Team Training, Sunnybrook Canadian Simulation Centre appeared first on Your Health Matters.