| Resident Spouse Support! |
| Internship Year |
| Links |
| What is "Internship"? The first year of residency is eloquently referred to as internship. This initial year is often the most demanding of the training years. Up until this point, your spouse has been a student and the shift in responsibility coincides with an increased patient load. What can I expect? Call Schedules vary by specialty, but most residents and their spouses find this year to be the most challenging regardless of the choice of specialty. The year tends to revolve around the "call" schedule, with q3 call (every third night) being the most difficult and q5 call being the easiest to tolerate. When your spouse has call, expect him or her to work all day, night and all day the next day unless they are in a program that lets the interns leave by noon. What are some suggestions for coping? ~Get involved in the local auxiliary. ~Lower your expectations for your spouse for this year. They are working so many hours that it will be difficult for them to be as involved in the day-to-day care of the home and family. ~Take a college class or enroll in a degree program. Use this as an opportunity for you to further your own education or career. If there is not a college nearby, visit the distance learning resources to find an online program! ~Nurture your hobbies... for example, take a quilting class or join a group of men or women involved in your hobby. ~Join a gym with free childcare to have some time for yourself if you have children. |