For new medical residents, they’re beginning their journeys. Yet they meet a gauntlet of hurdles in their pipeline journey, from medical school to residency. Real stories from recent grads Daniel Schecter and Ella Taubenfeld, as they learned to steer through this key and often stormy passage in their medical careers. Both encountered challenges specific to their contexts but provided lessons learned that can better prepare incoming residents to transition to this historic change more smoothly.
Daniel Schecter, a first-year resident at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, faced a common hurdle when he had to wait for another resident to vacate his apartment before moving in. This late notice gave him almost no time to adjust to his new home. To make the transition as smooth as possible, Schecter tapped into the housing resources that the hospital owned, which he says made the moving process incredibly easy. He asked for advice from his new neighbors and doorman, reminding us that connecting with our community can be key to making this transition.
Ella Taubenfeld is a 2024 graduate of the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell in Long Island, New York. Today, she is starting her first year as a urology resident at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. Taubenfeld didn’t wait for success to come to her—she was proactive. She ensured that she had ample time to coordinate her move into her apartment before beginning her residency. She and her husband took several trips to their new home to get it ready for their move-in day.
The Importance of Planning Ahead
Schecter and Taubenfeld both highlight the importance of planning for the residency transition well in advance. Schecter reminds new residents to come as soon as they are able. This allows them to dodge that pit in the stomach as their first week on the job rolls in. “If you’re able to give yourself some time between move-in and the start of residency, that’s definitely something to consider,” he stated.
Taubenfeld seconded this sentiment, adding that the time cushion before starting her residency was extremely beneficial. “It was very good that I left myself about a week cushion to get set up and take time to meet my co-interns before actually starting the job,” she explained. This advance planning helped her transition into her new position more smoothly while making sure her new home would be a welcoming space.
Despite their best intentions, both residents faced onboarding challenges once they moved in. Within a month of moving in, Taubenfeld and her husband found themselves faced with a laundry list of issues that plagued their new apartment. This experience was a powerful reminder that no matter how much you plan, there will always be curveballs you don’t foresee.
“Finding a good place to live is a non-negotiable in residency.” – Ella Taubenfeld
Building a Support Network
Schecter and Taubenfeld understand that developing a support system is key to thriving in residency. Schecter urges anyone interested in calling those new residences home to watch for emails and/or texts. These messages will support their budding relationships with other first year residents and eventually with senior co-residents. “Don’t be afraid to ask co-residents for advice,” he remarked, emphasizing the collective knowledge within the residency community.
Taubenfeld was lucky to have senior co-residents who offered helpful advice on navigating the housing market. She noted, “My more senior co-residents were really helpful and gave a lot of building suggestions, as well as places to stay away from.” With this mentorship, she was able to secure her ideal home. It opened doors that made her transition into her new environment much easier.
Both residents agreed that hospitals offer resources tailor-made to help first-year interns navigate frequently asked questions and concerns. Schecter highlighted the community networks that exist within the hospital system itself, explaining how “you have so many networks that are around you. This support can be essential in helping residents navigate some of the unique challenges that come with life as a resident.
Creating a Comfortable Home
For Schecter and Taubenfeld, creating a support and nurturing home life was key in both their adjustments to their respective new roles. Schecter reminisced about making the move to Mount Sinai, calling it a homecoming. He underscored the importance of being patient by adding, “It’s going to take time to create a new village.” He understands this transition period takes time and tenderness.
Taubenfeld touched on the importance of a refuge from the challenges that come with residency training. She shared how making a private, peaceful environment makes a world of difference to one’s health and state of mind during such a challenging period. Looking back on her move, she concluded, “The one thing I would do differently is take the time to fly out and visit places in person.”
“Sinai-owned housing made the process much easier.” – Daniel Schecter
As these two Hoosier residents make their way through their respective residencies and beyond, they know that, as the saying goes, the best is yet to come. Their experiences remind incoming residents that while moving can be daunting, proper planning and support can significantly ease the transition.
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