Inside the Life of a Mayo Clinic Neurology Resident

Inside the Life of a Mayo Clinic Neurology Resident

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Waking up and getting ready for work
3. Arriving at the clinic
4. Pre-rounding on patients
5. Teaching session on examining cranial nerves
6. Team table rounds
7. Working on orders, notes, and discharges
8. Lunch and afternoon snacks
9. Noon conference
10. New admissions and lumbar punctures
11. Evaluation of patients in the emergency department
12. Evening lecture
13. Heading home and personal time

A Day in the Life of a Neurology Resident

Introduction: Being a neurology resident at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota is both challenging and rewarding. In this article, I will take you through a typical day in my life on the general neurology service. From waking up in the morning to heading home in the evening, you will get an inside look at the daily experiences and responsibilities of a neurology resident.

Waking up and getting ready for work: My day begins at 5:30 am when I wake up, make myself a cup of coffee, and get ready to head out the door. Living near the clinic allows for a quick commute, and after an eight-month journey, I arrive on campus. The convenient parking lot near our teamwork room makes it easy to access the clinic, particularly in inclement weather.

Arriving at the clinic: Once inside the clinic, the first task of the day is signing in and catching up with the other residents and interns on the service. Pre-running on patients involves checking the status of each patient in the neurology unit, which is located on the second floor of the Domitilla building. The close proximity of all the patients on one unit facilitates the pre-rounding process, which typically takes place from 7:30 to 8:00 am.

Teaching session on examining cranial nerves: Following pre-rounding, the morning continues with a teaching session conducted by either a consultant or a senior resident. Today, Dr. Barbanel is teaching us about examining the cranial nerves. The session involves demonstrations and discussions on different examination techniques and their significance in detecting abnormalities. Understanding how to examine cranial nerves is critical in assessing brainstem function and identifying potential neurological issues in patients.

Team table rounds: At 8:30 am, our team gathers for table rounds. This multidisciplinary team consists of medical students, senior residents, interns, a pharmacist, and a consultant. Together, we review and discuss each patient's case, including their progress, medications, and any concerns. These rounds facilitate collaboration and ensure that everyone is well-informed about each patient's condition and treatment plan.

Working on orders, notes, and discharges: After completing the group rounds, we return to the teamwork room to work on various tasks. This includes placing orders, documenting patient notes, and organizing discharges. It is a busy period where we work together to ensure that everything is in order for each patient's care and transition.

Lunch and afternoon snacks: During the day, we are provided with a generous meal account for lunches. The cafeteria offers a variety of options, including a sushi bar and a frozen yogurt station, making it easy to grab a meal or snack during the day. These breaks give us a chance to recharge and socialize with colleagues.

Noon conference: As part of our ongoing education, we attend daily noon conferences that cover various topics related to neurology. On Fridays, we have subspecialty conferences, where experts in specific areas of neurology share their knowledge and experiences. Today's conference focuses on neuroophthalmology and provides valuable insights into evaluating double vision.

New admissions and lumbar punctures: In the afternoon, we often receive new admissions and perform lumbar punctures. This is an opportunity to further develop our skills by performing diagnostic procedures and contributing to patient care. Performing lumbar punctures allows us to gather cerebrospinal fluid samples for analysis and aid in the diagnosis of various neurological conditions.

Evaluation of patients in the emergency department: A fourth-year neurology resident takes charge of evaluating patients in the emergency department who require neurologic care. They assign and present new admissions to our team, ensuring seamless continuity of care for patients in need of specialized neurological attention.

Evening lecture: At 4:30 pm, we attend evening lectures as part of the summer lecture series. These lectures focus on the fundamentals of neurology and are conducted downtown at the clinic. However, we have the option to webcast into the lecture from the hospital if needed. These lectures provide valuable insights and updates on the latest advancements in the field.

Heading home and personal time: After a long day at the clinic, I head home around 6:55 pm. Before leaving, I sign off the patients to the night float resident, who will monitor them throughout the night. Once home, I prioritize self-care by making dinner, taking my dog for a walk, and fitting in a workout. Finally, I unwind and relax, possibly gathering around a bonfire with friends or family. It is essential to take time for personal well-being to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

In conclusion, being a neurology resident at the Mayo Clinic is a demanding yet fulfilling experience. Each day brings unique challenges and opportunities for growth. From patient care to continuous learning, the life of a neurology resident is dedicated to providing the best possible care to patients and contributing to the field of neurology.