Tell me about 3rd Year

DH is wrapping up 2nd year and trying to get third year rotations figured out. He is really really interested in emergency medicine and is thinking of doing an ER rotation this year to help give him an edge. We are expecting number 2 at the beginning of November and I just want to have a healthy understanding of what to expect. Any thoughts, advice, or whatnot would be great!

Thanks!

[Auspicious]

Congratulations on number 2!

We don't have kids, but 3rd year has been not so bad, except for certain rotations which have been terrible and caused him to count down the days until they're over. The schedule does have something to do with whether a rotation is enjoyable or not, but an even bigger determining factor is whether the people are nice. And by "nice" I mean "not sociopaths." I think there's also a general curve of it getting a little easier for both of us as the year goes on--the beginning of the year was a bit tougher than now.

He's been very glad to "actually be doing stuff" this year, as he was more than a little tired of the classroom aspect of med school. Not that third year doesn't have any classroom time, but he's definitely glad to finally be putting that knowledge to work.

FH ended up with almost all of his required clerkships this year and almost all electives next year. He did do ER this year though (I think it's required at his school?) and it was one of his favorites.

Probably the roughest thing that happened this year (knock wood) was when his uncle died. FH's family is small and this uncle was a near-daily presence in their childhood. He died on a Wednesday and FH's distraugt family wanted him to come up to MA immediately (even though there were already like 8 adults there together--who had just called in to take the day off work like normal people--and the wake wasn't until Saturday). FH told them, "look, if I leave now I'll have to repeat this whole rotation. I will be up there Friday night--that's in like 36 hours." Not good enough. Mostly FH's family is very supportive of his career, but sometimes you still end up stuck between a rock and a hard place. I'm sure this is just the beginning. He went up when he said he would, they were mad at first, and then they got over it. I think there were other rotations where he probably could have gotten out of the last two days without too much trouble.

So overall 3rd year's been good. I'd say as the significant other for me it comes in just a hair behind 2nd year for enjoyablity, since the hours are more irregular. I think he's enjoyed it more than 2nd year--I'll have to ask him. (1st year just bit big time for both of us.)

How wonderful! Congrats on the baby!

Third year has been awesome for us, for the most part. Obviously some rotations have been more difficult than others, but there is always an end in sight, and that helps. I agree whole-heartedly with the comment above that the people you work with determine how enjoyable the round is much more than hours worked. The variability in student experiences still surprises me. DH is very glad to be out from behind a desk and into doing some hands on stuff. He's commented many times how relieved his is to actually be using what he's learned the first two years of med school.

As far as advise goes, I think I have a few pieces. First, if you can, do the tough rotations first. DH chose to do the 'big three' first (peds, internal, and surgery), with surgery in November and December only because December was a shorter month by about a week because of Christmas. He wanted to spend as little time as possible in surgery, and that was a good way to do it. From what I've seen, the people who had the big three during the first half of the year, generally fare better during the second half of third year. I don't know if they are "used to it" as far as expectatios, testing, and schedules go, or if you are fresh right away at the begining of M3, or whatever. Thats just what I've seen, and if you are due in November, that may not be the best path for you. However, on DH's surgery rotation, his student partner's wife had a baby and he was able to take quite a bit of time off (I know, DH covered his call ).

DH has also found it very helpful to talk talk TALK to other students who have had rotations before you. Find out what hospitals/attendings/residents have better reputations. At DH's school, there are definately places (as in hospitals) you go to learn, and places where you won't get a chance to see much. Some attendings let the students take part in procedures, some don't. Some places are known for working you to death and then writing negative comments about you on your transcript. It helps to find out these things. DH also tries to borrow books rather than buy them to save money.
Oh, and with a little one at home, it might be a good idea to not schedule peds during the winter.

I hope you guys have a great third year. I think it can be very enjoyable.

[BonBon]

No advice, but wanted to say congrats on your impending arrival! What day are you due? We are also due with #2 - on November 3. (That seems soooooo far away )

I'm "due" November 8th, but seeing as this will be a second c-section for me (and last!) I'm sure the actual date will be different!

Congrats yourself on your pregnancy! Hey are you in maternity clothes yet? I am, ! Well maternity half, large sizes half. I just can't stand the constraint of pants on my belly (already!!!) and like the demi panal much better. I've grown 3" the last time I check around my naval since 4 weeks! We're telling everyone at 12 weeks, and I'm trying my darndest not to let it show, but this belly is past my chest already! Anyway nice to meet you and hopefully we can swap pg stories!