Maintaining Mental Stamina in Radiology Residency

Elizabeth (Betsy) Haberl, MD, Secretary of the American College of Radiology^® (ACR^®) Resident and Fellow Section Executive Committee, contributed this piece.

If you are reading this, take a moment to reflect. What we go through as medical trainees is not normal. Yes, technically other professionals may go through internships. But I would argue that few other professions deal with such delayed gratification and sacrifice spanning the prime years of life. Most of us complete four years of college, then four years of medical school. The rose-colored glasses usually disappear after the intern year. For radiology residents, tack on an additional four years of training, plus a year or two for fellowship.

The road to reaching the metaphorical carrot of an attending position is long and winding. You may experience mechanical failures along the way, either psychologically or physically. Though radiology trainees may not log the highest number of hours in the hospital, we are expected to continue intellectual work at home. Comparing a day in the OR to a radiology call shift is like comparing an apple to a kiwi. Both can be stressful. But have you ever considered the brain power required to stare at a workstation intently all day and go on to study more at night?

Radiology offers a unique set of stressors that is unlike other specialties. We are often sedentary, isolated in a small dimly-lit room. On call, residents may not get breaks, while during normal hours there are constant interruptions. We try our best to master human anatomy while switching between specialties every few weeks. Both diagnostic, interventional, and radiology oncology trainees ride a rousing roller coaster of mental highs and lows over the course of many years.

Here are a few suggestions to help maintain mental fortitude throughout your training.

• First, prioritize preserving your physical and emotional health. Seek out activities during which you can be fully present, in the moment, for thirty minutes to an hour each day. I recommend light or intense activity immediately after a day shift to let your brain reset before resuming evening cognitive tasks. Give yourself time to wind down and practice good sleep hygiene. You cannot be expected to pour out care for patients from an empty cup. Never be ashamed to seek help from a mental health professional.
• When you show up to the reading room, learn to adopt a growth mindset. Let go of your ego and fear of failure. Acknowledge your mistakes and aim for above average instead of perfection. Take on challenges and reward yourself when you do. On a limited budget, a treat can be as small as an iced pumpkin spice latte. Pencil in a movie, musical, or time with friends on your calendar every month.
• Lastly, surround yourself with good people and motivating characters. Spending quality time with your partner, family, or old friends can be a reminder of your worth outside of medicine.

When I was leaving surgery residency, the chair told me, “Life is too short to be unhappy.” Turns out, he was right. I found radiology to be my true calling. Some of my happiest moments have been during conferences, like the ACR Annual Meeting, where I met inspiring individuals from across the nation and world. Wherever you are in your training, I wish you the best.