Day in the life of a PGY2 psychiatry resident 👩🏾⚕️
Sometimes the days for a psych resident can be long, and that day I was in the hospital for about 12-13 hours! I’m currently rotating on inpatient psychiatry where I have 7-8 patients that I’m currently following! Our team includes 1-2 medical students, myself (junior resident), a senior resident (sometimes), and the attending! Inpatient psychiatry has always been one of my favorites to rotate through because I love getting to see my patients daily and be able to make decisions immediately and see the results while they’re on the unit!
Life as a PGY2 psychiatry resident, especially on an inpatient service, is undoubtedly intense, as my 12-13 hour days often prove. Beyond the daily rounds and patient care, there's a whole world of learning, personal growth, and self-care that defines this unique journey. When I first started as a resident, the sheer volume of information and the complexity of patient cases felt overwhelming, but with each passing day, I've honed my diagnostic skills and deepened my understanding of mental health conditions. One of the most rewarding aspects, as mentioned, is the continuity of care on inpatient psychiatry. Being able to follow 7-8 patients daily, witness their progress, and adapt treatment plans in real-time is incredibly fulfilling. It's not just about medication management; it's about building rapport, understanding their stories, and providing a safe space for healing. We participate in various activities like group therapy, family meetings, and comprehensive treatment planning, which are all integral to patient recovery. The OCR mentioned "inpatient psych rounds" – these are crucial for discussing patient status, adjusting interventions, and collaborating with the entire team, including medical students, which also involves a significant amount of "teaching" on my part. However, the long hours and emotional demands of a psychiatry residency can take a toll. It’s not uncommon to feel drained after a "short call" shift or a particularly challenging day. That's why emphasizing self-care, as hinted by my morning "protein shake" ritual, is paramount. Finding small moments for myself, whether it’s a quick workout, reading, or simply decompressing with friends, helps maintain my well-being. It's a continuous learning process, not just in psychiatry, but in balancing professional responsibilities with personal resilience. The journey from a medical student to a PGY2 psychiatry resident is transformative, shaping not only my career but also my understanding of human nature and empathy. It’s a demanding but ultimately incredibly impactful path.
