Chips

I've noticed that there are a lot of people in health care that take shots at medical students and younger residents while they can. As a resident gains more seniority these people begin to behave differently and almost cower from their gaze. Being one of these students who has received harrassment from various nurses, techs, and assistants I can understand how one might get riled up when you're the object of another's fun.

But that's just how it goes during this process. We have almost no power over anyone, can't really get on someone for being a jerk, and have to simply suck it up. Or get flustered, let the person know they got the best of you, and realize that you've now become the "joke bitch" for that floor.

A friend of mine has been given a rather hard time during her Sub-I from just about everyone. The latest was from a tech who prodded her into anger by insinuating that she wasn't cut out for medicine after a comment she made. My advice, had I given it, would be to just suck it up, ignore the insults, and try to keep the chip on her shoulder from getting bigger.

Because if we were to allow every instance of humiliation at the hands of "lesser people" get to us then we'd be demon asses and bitches by the time we're finished with residency.

Part of training to become a boarded physician is to learn limits. When those above us do it, they do it in hopes of keeping us grounded, well aware of our limitations, and more vigilant the next time. When it's done by those below us (like techs, MA's, and the like) they're doing it while they can, because they know in a few short years they won't be able to say one negative word without being severely castigated.

So let the fuckers make fun and just continue to improve. Reacting simply makes them feel more justified and makes you appear insecure about your level of knowledge.