Preparing for the future

Endings and beginnings:

The end of an academic year most certainly brings with it a sigh of relief; a job well done to all learners in each of the classes for completing what was, most definitely, a year of rewards and challenges.

Congratulations to the Medicine Class of 2016. Good luck as you progress into your residency programs and continue your medical careers.

For those who are experiencing clerkship, the summer months mark the beginning of a rare opportunity where you have a much shorter “to-do” list. It’s important to take the time to rejuvenate, engage in enjoyable activities and take the time to do things that typically fall to the bottom of the list during a demanding academic year.

That being said, it is also a time where you have a minute to pause and reflect on lessons learned and how you will incorporate those lessons as you progress into the next year, or into the next step, of your medical training.

Still some things to do in preparation for the next phase of your training:

While I certainly wish you all rest and relaxation, here are some things you can think about during the summer to ensure a seamless transition back into training in the not-so-distant future. Being prepared is always part of a well-prepared plan to reduce stress and anxiety – especially when dealing with change.

2019s

Time goes by quite quickly. The best opportunity to immerse yourself in some CV-worthy research is during the summer months. While programs like SRTP, SROP and SWORP offer a great experience along with some funding, never be afraid to reach out on your own to work with someone in a field you’re interested.

The summer is also a good opportunity to spend some time thinking about the type of physician you would like to be. This can be through research, observerships, summer electives, global experiences or meeting with physicians. Don't forget to access the Career In Medicine (CiM) website, which offers a number of diagnostic tools as well as specialty descriptions to assist.

2018s

As you prepare for Clerkship, which will be a very busy year, it’s a good opportunity to engage in research or summer electives before having more demands on your time. It’s also a good opportunity to prepare for the demands of such a hectic schedule. Be sure to learn some basic time management skills as they pertain to:

  • Preparing quick and healthy meals;
  • Incorporating exercise into a hectic day;
  • Planning ahead for the week (meals, laundry, etc);
  • Managing stress and sleep deprivation.


Two websites to review and to sign up to receive daily emails are mindbodygreen.com and Mercola.com.

2017s

Unfortunately, after years of undergraduate and medical training, this marks one of the first times you will not realize a typical academic summer break. As you enter the last phase of your clerkship training, remember that it’s important to take care of yourself to avoid burnout.

Take time to get out in the sun and take in fresh air with walk breaks. Equally important to your well-being is preparing yourself for the best elective strategy for your career goals. Be sure to reach out to the Learner Equity & Wellness (LEW) office to ensure your confirmed electives match the goals you have in mind for yourself. This takes very little time, but can mean all the difference in a successful CaRMS match.   

Pay attention to elective deadlines from each school, but remember it may be worth the effort to switch throughout the summer to ensure the best portfolio of electives for a preferred specialty

I hope you certainly enjoy the brief holiday you have before heading off into four months of travel and living out of suitcases.

Before you go, research the cities that you will be visiting well in advance, especially if you don’t have transportation. Take some time this summer to learn about public transportation in the cities where you will be living, healthy eating options (if cooking isn’t possible) and about all amenities you will need to access in your host city (laundry, dry-cleaning, etc.) to ensure you’re presenting your best self during your elective blocks.

2016s

As you embark into the next phase of your medical training, take the opportunity to research the city and community you will be a part of before you go. Even if it’s your local community; as a physician, your role and involvement in the community now serves a greater purpose and there is so much to explore with respect to how you want to contribute.

If you are going somewhere new, try to go early and give yourself time to explore the community. If you would like support in reaching out to fellow Schulich Medicine alumni, please feel free to contact the LEW Office, we’ be happy to help. We certainly hope you keep in touch, as well, as you hone your skills in your respected specialities.

It’s been a while since you’ve been the new kid on the block. Remember, the LEW Office will still be here for you to provide postgraduate wellness support. Please reach out if necessary. An electronic copy of the Resident Handbook is available online. Other schools should have something similar for you to review.

It has been a wonderful year and I’ve enjoyed working with all of you. For all of the above changes that will occur, please remember the LEW Office is always here to support you. On behalf of the LEW team, have a safe and pleasant summer.

Stephanie Coccimiglio
Learner, Equity & Wellness Coordinator – Windsor Campus