how much time do you actually spend studying in residency. I know for other programs like rads and derm, the schedule is more obviously way more relaxed in terms of work hours but there's lots of at home studying. I'm the type of person that would much rather learn on the job even if it means a 18 hour day. I would definitely prefer reading the literature, learning by preparing for cases, and putting together an occasional presentation/M&Ms to the grind of anki and question banks.
During M3, I loved the days where I was in the hospital but absolutely hated coming home and studying for shelf. That's the part that made me miserable. How bad is it during residency?
Depends on how much your PD cares about your boards score. Some programs have a minimal percentile they want you to be in or a minimum score, and even if you pass on the national standard they won't pass you if you don't meet that. Typically the more academic programs care more about this, and the more operative heavy programs see a high board score as you reading too much and not operating enough.
I think beyond board scores (which is typically in mid-residency), you still need to go home and read up to learn the literature and review operative techniques as a way of preparing for cases. If you have a program that has resident case conference, you may have to make presentations to talk about during didactics. Some uber academic programs are also on top of residents in terms of making sure they're publishing, writing grants etc.
OP here.
I'm completely okay with reading up on the literature and reviewing concepts/anatomy to prepare for cases or patients. Research is also fine.
As a medical student, I feel like I'm having to balance shelf/board studying (which I am not enjoying) with research and preparing for cases (which I'm fine with). I guess I see the latter as learning on the job/for the job, versus studying for a grade (which is the former).
