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OBG residency is perhaps one of the toughest but most gratifying residencies in the medical line. With long labor room hours, high-stress surgical cases, and the need to juggle clinic with academics, mistakes are certain. But if you know and avoid common mistakes, residency becomes easier and more efficient. Below are five errors that many OBG residents commit and how you can avoid them
1. Not Prioritizing Time in the OT and Labor Room
- Most residents spend too much time on ward work and paperwork, depriving themselves of important hands-on experience.
- Paperwork is important, but surgical expertise and handling labor cases are what really make an OBG specialist.
2. Ignoring Basics of Fetal Monitoring and CTG Interpretation
- Many residents find it difficult to interpret Cardiotocography (CTG) and tend to overdepend on seniors.
- Misinterpretation of a CTG can have severe repercussions, and therefore, proficiency in fetal monitoring should be achieved right from the beginning.
3. Failure to Maintain Theory Accompanying Clinical Practice
- Residency is tiring, but neglecting theory will make it worse. Most residents delay reading textbooks or guidelines until examination time, and then there is panic at the last minute.
- Regular updating of clinical cases and guidelines can be a lifesaver.
4. Neglecting Communication Skills with Patients and Relatives
- Dealing with anxious patients and families is an art.
- A few residents concentrate exclusively on medical management and are unable to break bad news or describe complications, and this results in patient dissatisfaction and even medico-legal concerns.
5. Not Seeking Assistance When Required
- Attempting to do it all by yourself is often the biggest error. Whether a hard labor, controlling a PPH, or a complications situation, not knowing when to call for assistance can prove disastrous.
- Residency is learning, and nobody expects you to be an expert from day one.
Conclusion:
Residency is a learning curve, and there are mistakes that come with it. But being cognizant of these common mistakes can aid you in your training so you can learn what you need to learn while balancing work and life. Learn from the people who preceded you, ask for advice when necessary, and take full advantage of this stage of your medical career.
