How to Foster Camaraderie in Dermatology Residency
Camaraderie and teamwork in dermatology residency are essential to the well-being and success of the residents and the overall program. Good relationships lead to better experiences inside and outside of clinic as well as enhance collaboration and learning. Establishing trust and genuine interest in one another is at the heart of fostering camaraderie with peers. Activities that can lead to a close-knit group include planning social events and attending local and national conferences together. When conflicts arise, handling them in an upfront and open manner is the key to maintaining strong relationships. Camaraderie can be fostered in many different ways, and in the end, everyone benefits.
Resident Pearls
- Camaraderie in residency is a special dynamic that can be enhanced and fostered in many different ways.
- The relationships among residents should be treated with importance, as some of the friends you make will last a career and/or a lifetime.
- Conflicts inevitably will arise and learning how to handle them effectively can improve the residency experience.
In addition, national groups such as the Women’s Dermatologic Society, the Skin of Color Society, and the American Academy of Dermatology Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion task force meet at the national conferences and discuss their next initiatives and projects. Joining a society of your interest can lead to many new networks and relationships you may not have had before. Even if you are not interested in specializing after general dermatology, consider attending a surgery, dermatopathology, or pediatric or cosmetic dermatology conference to learn more about the field from the experts.
Repair Conflicts and Build a Climate of Collaboration
Conflicts and disagreements unfortunately are inevitable during residency. Whether they involve planning vacation times or coordinating call schedules, everyone will not agree on every decision. Learning how to handle and approach conflict with co-residents is of utmost importance to maintaining the hard work you have put in to create trust, camaraderie, and a good social atmosphere. If you are having an issue with a circumstance involving a co-resident, holding a grudge will only sour your experience and the experience of others. Talking to your co-resident directly about your concerns before escalating the issue to a chief resident or faculty member is a great start. Consider asking them about their thought process and show concern for their point of view. Listen to them openly before going into your preferences. It is important to remember that working as a team requires sacrifices, and sometimes you will not be satisfied with the outcome of a conflict.
It also is important to remember that feelings change, and an issue you feel you must address immediately can wait to be addressed at a better time when you have calmed down. You may even find that you decide not to address it at all. At the end of the day, if a conflict cannot be worked out between those involved, consider confiding in a chief resident or a faculty mentor for advice on the next steps to take to resolve the problem. Ultimately, having a good foundation of respect and strong bonds with your residents will help tremendously when conflicts arise.
Final Thoughts
Fostering camaraderie in residency will improve the overall experience and lives of the residents, as well as the experience of the faculty, staff, and patients by the trickle-down effect. Creating a cheerful and fun atmosphere filled with inside jokes and excitement regarding upcoming social events or conferences will certainly result in a time you will cherish for the rest of your life.
