Persevering the Internship: A Guide for the Aspiring Doctors in Kenya

Brace yourself, for the Road ahead is not easy

Greetings, dear colleague, you have successfully navigated the path of medical school and have been officially inducted into the ranks of medical interns, as recently announced by the Ministry of Health. You have been dispersed to various regions of the country, amongst a cohort of over 800 interns, prepared to undertake the rigors of the medical profession.

But before you rush headfirst into the internship, permit me to furnish you with some advice on how to not only endure, but also flourish.

1. Forgo the urge to be a Hero, Embrace Teamwork

One of the most critical things to keep in mind as an intern is that you are not yet a fully-fledged physician, and will require the assistance and guidance of your senior colleagues. Do not be restrained to pose queries and solicit counsel. Bear in mind, you are a member of a team, and your success is their success.

Continually be willing to extend a helping hand to your colleagues, and never be too proud to admit when you require aid. A study by the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that interns who reported a high level of perceived teamwork had better overall well-being and job satisfaction.

• Embrace Adversity and Cultivate a Sense of Humor

Let us be real, interning can be an arduous and trying experience at times. You will be fatigued, stressed, and overwhelmed. But the key is to embrace the adversity, and find ways to infuse levity into the situation. Learn to laugh at yourself and the absurdity of the situations you’ll find yourself in. Believe me, there will be ample opportunities for gallows humor.

A survey by the American Medical Association found that over 80% of medical students reported experiencing burnout at some point during their training. But do not let that statistic dishearten you, for with the right attitude, you can surmount it.

• Prioritize self-care

As an intern, you will be pulled in all sorts of directions, and it can be easy to neglect your own well-being. But if you do not take care of yourself, you will not be able to take care of your patients. Ensure you are obtaining adequate sleep, nourishing yourself properly, and engaging in regular physical activity. And do not be afraid to take a break when you need it.

• Be humble, be gracious, and be thankful

You may not always concur with the decisions of your senior colleagues, but it is imperative to remember that they have been in your shoes and have the experience to back up their choices. Be humble, be gracious, and be thankful for the opportunity to learn from them.

In conclusion, interning in the medical profession in Kenya is not going to be easy, but it is one of the most gratifying experiences you will ever undertake.

Extras

• You may consider taking on additional courses or certifications to supplement your knowledge and skills. This can include language courses, computer skills, or even courses in leadership and management. These will not only make you a more well-rounded individual but also provide you with an edge in your career.

• Another way to enhance your experience and make the most out of your internship is by striving for leadership positions. Look for opportunities to lead projects, teams or even committees. This will not only give you valuable leadership experience, but it will also demonstrate your initiative and dedication to your profession.

• Lastly, take advantage of your time as an intern to explore your interests and passions. Whether it be research, community service, or even writing, find ways to incorporate these activities into your internship.

Not only will it make your experience more enjoyable, but it will also help you to discover your strengths and areas of interest for your future career.

Article by Beni