The Pre-residency Checklist
4 minute read
1. GET YOUR PAPERWORK IN ORDER
Starting a new program means new accounts and documents, it is the perfect time to get your current and new accounts in order. Do that filing you’ve been putting off. Make copies of key documents. Set up auto-forwarding from your different emails to one address. Create a password-saving account to keep track of different logins. With all of these documents in order, you can have peace of mind that if you need anything you will have it secured.
2. KNOW WHAT IS EXPECTED OF YOU
Entering residency, you will have a whole new set of tasks and a new schedule. Be sure to gather and organize all the new things that are expected of you and put them in a calendar or planner. Being well organized in advance will allow you to perform at your best upon beginning your graduate medical education.
3. FIND YOUR NEW COMMUNITY
Entering residency, you will have a whole new set of tasks and a new schedule. Be sure to gather and organize all the new things that are expected of you and put them in a calendar or planner. Being well organized in advance will allow you to perform at your best upon beginning your graduate medical education.
4. CREATE AN ACCURATE BUDGET
Now is a great time to create a new (or your first) budget. By spending your new income wisely, you can control your financial future. When creating your budget, be mindful to be thrifty and not take on unnecessary additional debt. Overspending isn't the right answer in residency, especially if you have medical school debt.
5. PROTECT YOUR INCOME
As a doctor, disability insurance is one of the most crucial aspects of your financial security because your career is dependent on your ability to earn an income. The primary benefit of disability insurance is the replacement of income in the event that you are not able to work. When you are creating a financial safety net, the most important part of the plan is the income to fund that plan. Disability insurance will replace your income in the event that you lose your income due to an injury or disabling event.
6. TAKE CARE OF YOUR DEBT
You should consider your options for debt repayment while in residency. If you expect your salary to increase, take a look at the potential options and use AAMC's medical student loan calculator for help with this decision-making process!
7. PLAN FOR STUDY TIME
It can be a challenge to study for the USMLE Step 3 test while in your first year of residency. There are ways that you can prepare while still getting exposure through rotationally-based learning opportunities such as shadowing doctors! While it’s important to put hours toward studying, make sure to dedicate some time to do the things that you enjoy that you weren’t able to do during medical school - because we know how busy life gets when everything starts happening fast…
8.
This might be the last chance to really enjoy yourself for a while. So take advantage of those few months before you start working as an intern and make some memories with family, friends, or hobbies you've had your eye on! You deserve it after all this hard work!