A Day in the Life of a Fourth-Year Resident
8:30 a.m. — Starting the day at Arkansas State Hospital
The morning begins at Arkansas State Hospital, where I spend time caring for patients with complex psychiatric needs. During my rotation we have had fourth-year medical students on the unit so I usually arrive early to delegate what patients and tasks they will be doing. I review patient updates, prepare for evaluations, and meet with the multidisciplinary team to discuss treatment plans and progress.
9:00–11 a.m. — Morning Report/Treatment Team & Patient care
Morning report is usually a run-down of the patient’s last 24 hours or the weekend if on a Monday. At times certain patients will meet with the entire treatment team to go over their progress in their objectives and goals. After this since I am only here in the mornings, I aim to see all the patient I am following, check in with the medical students, and write orders. As a fourth-year resident, I’m able to take on more responsibility while continuing to learn from experienced faculty and colleagues.
11 a.m. – 12 p.m. — Teamwork & collaboration
Typically, will run through the patients with my attending, Dr. Williams updating on my assessments, plans, and any medication changes. This is also the time we will talk about any new admissions that might arrive during the week.
12 – 1 p.m. — Lunch and Transitioning to Afternoon Clinic
After wrapping up the morning at the State Hospital, it’s time to transition to the North Little Rock VA. I usually try to grab lunch with my other co-residents before heading back to work. On North Little Rock days we mainly go to either Blackberry Market or Brood & Barley (the duck wings are my favorite wings in town!).
1-3 p.m. — Stepping into the acting attending role at the VA
In the afternoon, I take on an acting attending role at the VA. The current PGY-3 class can check out their follow-up patients to me and we collaborate on clinical decisions and help guide treatment plans. A huge part is making sure patients are being screened for suicide risk, obtaining necessary labs and drug screens, and being scheduled for follow-up in the appropriate time frame.
3-3:30 p.m. — Clinical care, teaching & supervision
After the clinic day has ended, I will staff patients with my attending, Dr. Winford to review and hone my clinical decisions and treatment plans. This is one of the most exciting parts of fourth year because it allows me to practice greater independence while still having faculty available for supervision and support. Having that balance of independence and mentorship is an important part of transitioning from residency to independent practice. I feel that I am building more confidence in how I want to practice while continuing to learn from experienced psychiatrists.
3:30-4 p.m. — Wrapping up the day
Before heading home, I update my staffing Excel sheet, follow up on outstanding clinical tasks, and review my schedule for the next day.
4:30 p.m. — Day complete!
Finally at home and hanging out with my only child, Shadow (FYI, he is a cat) who is very affectionate, cuddly, and verbal. I have to pet him for at least 15 minutes right when I get home or he will whine for the rest of the night.