APMA News - May/June 2021 - A3

mind and I had so many plans in my
head about how to get started on preparing
for them. But when the time came,
I felt like I was drowning in resources,
material, and a ticking clock. As I began
to study, I did not realize how isolating
this process would be. I was studying
for large chunks of time with no class to
break up my study periods. My only time
away from my studying was to eat, sleep,
or to call my family or friends. I went
from running 3-4 miles a day to barely
even walking a mile. I did not anticipate
how guilty I would feel by taking a single
break even though I knew I needed it.
Midway through studying for boards, I
knew that something needed to change.
This test was one of the most important
exams of my career, but if I wasn't taking
care of myself, I knew there would be
other consequences. So, I made an effort
to change my habits. I began taking daily
breaks and going for daily runs. I was
keeping a tight schedule but one that
allowed me to take a deep breath at least
once a day. I am here to let you know that
that is okay! I reached out to a few of my
friends during this period and learned
we were all going through the same feelings.
Know that you are not alone if you
are feeling overwhelmed.
I felt so isolated when studying for
boards, but on exam day when I arrived at
my exam site and saw all the classmates
I had not seen in more than six months,
it suddenly felt so worth it! Remember
to take a breath and enjoy the fresh
air. Treat yourself to your favorite food
when you finish a topic that you struggle
with or reach out to a classmate
for group study just to get a change of
pace. Visit APMA's well-being resources
at www.apma.org/wellbeing for other
resources to help with avoiding burnout.
All your studying and hard work is so
worth it in the end, and the finish line
is so close you can see it! As you begin
studying for boards now, know that it is
okay to take a break, and remember you
are not alone. Your classmates, friends,
family, and faculty are behind you and
want to see you succeed. Don't worry,
take a deep breath-YOU GOT THIS!
REdRC: A Free Resource to
Jump-Start Residency Education
Emily Lobos, Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine, Class of 2021
Are you about to start residency but haven't been at an externship since
January? Are you about to start your fourth year and haven't been to a
single externship yet? Both of these situations are exciting, but slightly
anxiety-inducing because there is so much to know before you begin.
APMA provides an easy one-stop website for students to refresh their
knowledge or learn new things before entering externships and residency.
T
he APMA Residency Education
Resource Center (REdRC;
www.redrc.org) contains more
than 100 lectures by prominent podiatrists
on topics ranging from operating
room etiquette to rearfoot reconstructive
surgery. The format is easy to use;
there are multiple ways to search for
lectures. For example, you can use keywords
if you are trying to find a lecture
on a procedure you are participating in
the next day. You can also search by the
physician giving the lecture, so you can
find lectures that physicians at your
externship or residency have presented.
For students refreshing their knowledge
before externships, I would
recommend " Operating Room, " a lecture
by David Yeager, DPM, and " Professionalism, "
a lecture by Jeffrey Robbins,
DPM. Dr. Yeager's lecture provides an
overview of operating room code and
procedures. It covers attire, hand hygiene,
sterile field, traffic patterns, and common-sense
reminders. I can confidently
say I wish I had reviewed this lecture
before my first month of externships-
it is extremely helpful. Dr. Robbins'
" Professionalism " lecture begins by
providing you with his incredible credentials
including being the Director of
Podiatry for the Veterans Affairs Central
Office. Within the lecture, he reviews
professionalism as it relates directly to
podiatry and breaks down the basic tenets.
Professionalism is a difficult concept to
teach, but Dr. Robbins does a wonderful
job. I would highly recommend this lecture
to every student and future resident.
Without hesitation, I can say I will be
visiting the REdRC many times between
now and the end of my residency. I love
how the widely varying, but all salient,
information is contained in one place.
Thank you to APMA for providing this
wonderful tool.
YPI 2021 Programming
Due to the success of last year's virtual Young Physicians' Institute
(YPI), this year's YPI programming will include three events: a half-day
virtual event being held this spring; the classic, in-person leadership
and networking event taking place in the fall; and another half-day
virtual event in the winter. Each event will be completely free for all
APMA Young Physician members to attend! Visit www.apma.org/ypi
to register for these events, and keep your eye on your APMA digital
publications for more exciting education opportunities.
REGISTER NOW | YPI Online: Starting a Practice
Saturday, June 12, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. EDT, APMA Online Learning Center
SAVE THE DATE | Young Physicians' Institute
October 1-2, Chicago
YOUR APMA / PAGE 3
http://www.redrc.org http://www.apma.org/wellbeing http://www.apma.org/ypi
APMA News - May/June 2021

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