Laurel Road: 5 Resources for Residents Training Through Coronavirus

NEW YORK, May 21, 2020 (Newswire.com) - ​​​​​​​Residents are in a uniquely complicated position during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. While trying to learn and develop in your specialty, one of the most pressing health crises in the last century has unfolded around us, leaving all healthcare workers with enormous responsibilities and challenging experiences.

In response, many organizations have set up resources to help healthcare workers in general and residents specifically deal with different facets of the pandemic’s impact. Here are some tools and resources to support you as you train during Coronavirus and its aftermath.

1. Look to your medical association

Many medical associations are providing resources specific to dealing with COVID-19. These include webinars, toolkits, and state-specific guidance during these constantly evolving circumstances. Check out the American Medical Association’s (AMA) COVID-19 resource center as well as how the association for your specialty is handling and discussing Coronavirus.​

2. Get the most out of virtual rounds

You might be worrying that the educational facets of residency are being short-changed due to various restrictions intended to protect the safety of residents, such as making rounds virtual. These concerns are legitimate, although it’s important to remember that you are simultaneously having an abrupt education into many of the most difficult facets of the healthcare profession. Nonetheless, the best thing to do here is the same as it is for everyone attempting to learn in a virtual setting right now — prepare and participate as much as possible the way you would in person.

3. Take the time to manage your stress

Whether you’re in a disease epicenter or dealing with some ripple effects of Coronavirus such as people avoiding hospitals and doctors until an emergency situation develops, it’s difficult to avoid the impact of the pandemic. As a medical professional, it’s important to remember that you deserve care as much as your patients. It might feel impossible to find the time to eat, let alone try to practice mindfulness and self-compassion, but with an app like Headspace (offering a free subscription if you have a NPI number) you can squeeze some self-care into a small pause in your day. The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education has also set up a well-being resource page specifically for residents, including a virtual library and idea exchange.

4. Look to how doctors in your specialty are managing Coronavirus

​Both through larger networks as well as personal mentors and teachers, now is a great time to seek out inspiration from how leaders in your specialty are managing Coronavirus, and the unique challenges they’re facing. Continuing to foster these relationships and networks as best you can not only allows for community and support from people who best understand your experience, but will also help build lasting connections you can carry through your career.​

5. Plan for the long term

Many people find it helpful to put current struggles in a wider perspective. If that sounds like you, focusing on and writing out your ten-year or five-year plan can help ground you in the understanding that although the present moment is challenging, eventually things will return, somewhat, to normal. This might be as light as fantasizing about a future vacation or as practical as student loan refinance — whatever will help you feel like there’s an end goal in sight.

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Source: Laurel Road