Wrapping up Term 2 and preparing for Term 3

By Mardi O’Keefe

As you enter the final week of Term 2 and begin turning your attention to Term 3, take a moment to reflect on what you’ve achieved and how far you’ve come since commencing internship.

Consider the challenges you have overcome, the new skills you have developed, what has worked well for you and what perhaps hasn’t. What small adjustments or changes might better support your transition into your next rotation?

For many doctors, this is also the point in internship where fatigue and the ongoing mental load of the intern role can become more pronounced. Another major rotation change can feel exciting but also draining. Preparing early can help make the transition smoother.

Resources to support you as you prepare for your next rotation

• Refresh your skills and knowledge by reviewing our Referral Cheat Sheet

• Revisit the tips and insights we shared in Rotation Two: New Department… Now What?

Inside Internship podcast series

Six doctors share insights and tips on the General Surgery, Emergency Medicine and General Medicine core rotations:

Emergency Medicine

• Inside internship with Dr Sarah Whitelaw

• Inside internship with Dr Simon Judkins

General Medicine

• Inside internship with Dr Louisa Ng

• Inside internship with Dr Rajesh Gounder

General Surgery

• Inside internship with Dr Jasmina Kevric (part 1)

• Inside internship with Dr Jasmina Kevric (part 2)

• Inside internship with Dr Suellyn Centauri (pt 1)

• Inside internship with Dr Suellyn Centauri (pt 2)

Check in on your own wellbeing

It’s also worth checking in on your own wellbeing as you move into the winter months. This can be an especially demanding time of year across many hospital departments and for some doctors the cumulative fatigue and mental load of internship can start to become more noticeable.

Take some time to review your current commitments and ask yourself what is essential, sustainable and genuinely helping you recharge. There may be things that can be temporarily scaled back to create more space for rest, recovery and maintaining perspective as you prepare for the second half of the year.

Remember, our Peer Support Service is a valuable and confidential support available to you. Our Workplace Relations team and Professional Development and Careers team are also here if you have questions about the term ahead or simply need space to debrief, regroup or plan for your next rotation. You can schedule a consultation here.

Mardi O’Keefe is the Director of Engagement & Professional Growth at AMA Victoria.