Medical Admission Note

• A paper-storing mechanism 

Option 1: Lots of people use 'nerd boxes' like this which have a handy clip to attach your patient list at the front, and can store various papers inside. The flat surface means you always have something to write on. You can prevent your papers inside getting mixed up by using paperclips to group like papers.

Option 2: I used a ring binder like this which I attached a bulldog clip to the front of to hold my patient list. I then had my various forms/papers in their own plastic sleeve which meant they never got mixed up and I could find them very easily. A bit bulkier than option 1, but more organised.

Option 3: Haphazardly collect various bit of paper you will need and clip them together using a bulldog clip. This system is the least bulky and you can easily access things, but if you require more than 3 different types of paper/forms, its probably not the best. It also has the advantage of being replaceable if you lose things easily.

Option 4: No system. This is not an option, unless you want your co-intern to hate you (I'm looking at you, surg co-intern)

• Blank supplies for your paper-storing mechanism

Basic: Progress notes, medication charts, iv fluid charts, pathology/radiology forms, blood product forms

Med: echo/cardiac procedure forms, any special condition forms (my hospital has a flow chart for pneumonia, CCF, cellulitis), special ward round forms if they exist, consult sheets

Surg: consent forms (x a million), elective admission forms, patient information sheets on common procedures (taken from outpatient clinic)

• A way to write down jobs

This seems obvious, but some people don't do this!! You WILL NOT remember things unless you write them down. Every little annoying job you get given you should write down. This job list can either be on your patient list or on a blank piece of paper.
Draw a little square next to each job so you can tick it off once you're finished.

• Results (unless the iPads at your hospital work a lot faster than the ones at mine)

Our patient list printing system handily prints off blood results, however its almost never adequate for what your consultant will ask you.
If blood results are available before ward rounds, you should get to work early to write them down.
If not, do a 'blood result' paper ward round after the actual ward round. Don't not check results, not acceptable.
Depending on the rotation/consultant there are different specific results you will be expected to know (HbA1c, CMP, Vit D, serum rhubarb), you'll know after the first ward round.

For radiology results, if the patient has had a CT/MRI/fancy scan I found the best way was to print the report and have it in my paper storing mechanism to hand to the consultant.

•   Lots and lots of pens

2.     Have a cheat sheet

You can borrow mine here, but I really recommend making your own.
I was really nervous about arriving at ward calls and not remembering what I needed to do for chest pain so mine has a lot of managing ward calls. At the very least write down doses for common drugs.
Even if you remember them all now, there's nothing worse than having to google 'dose of paracetamol' while your consultant breathes down your neck.

3.     Invest in comfortable, professional shoes

I used to recommend the amazing Camper shoes 'Beth' as the most comfortable work shoes ever (I wore them every day of internship and residency) but now theyve been discontinued! Rollies and Bared footwear make good, comfortable work shoes.

4.   Invest in a satchel/place to put your doctoring things

My doctor bag was a small, cross body, black leather bag which contained: wallet, phone, phone charger, so many pens, penlight, lip balm, muesli bar. It should contain a tendon hammer, but it doesn't (Sorry Prof Storey)
You could also use your pockets for this.

5.     Get a GP

I know you think you are so healthy that you don't need one but if you want to stay that healthy, get a GP. One you like. Go and see them early this year and get your OCP/ventolin script, that pap smear/STD check you've been putting off, and let them be proud of you for being a doctor. If you're super lucky you'll only need to see them once a year for this visit. If you're like most of us type A anxious types, you'll see them more often.
If you email the Victorian Doctors Health Program they will give you the names of GPs willing to treat doctors in your area.

6.   Accept you will feel very stupid, very often

Oh how I wish someone had told me this before internship started! I was a good med student and I thought that meant I would be a good intern. I don't think anyone actually feels like they are a good intern. You will feel like you know absolutely nothing most days, and the only reassurance I can give you is that everyone else feels the same way, they're just hiding it very well.

Internship is super overwhelming! It's totally normal to cry on the drive home (but not every night).
Make sure you have a good group of medical friends to debrief with & some non-medical ones to remember how to have real life conversations with.
Take up those hobbies you have neglected for all of medschool. Go for a run. Don't drink too much wine. Call your mum.

It will be okay. You'll survive. :)