What I Learned in My Third Year as a Doctor – Reflecting on 2024
- asperharry
- Dec 29, 2024
- 4 min read
Wow, three years as a doctor. That still feels surreal to say. This past year as a registrar has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding years of my career so far. As the year winds down, I thought I’d reflect on what I’ve learned, how I’ve grown, and what being a registrar has taught me. If you’re on a similar path or just curious about what life is like in this stage of medicine, I hope this resonates with you.
1. Transitioning to a Registrar Mindset
If you’re not familiar with how things work in Australia, let me break it down. After your first year as an intern, you move up to resident, and then eventually to registrar. Registrars are kind of the middle ground between junior doctors and consultants. You’re doing a lot more, making bigger decisions, and you’re suddenly the one people look to for answers.
Stepping into this role was nerve-wracking at first. Honestly, for a good chunk of the year, I felt like I had one foot still in the resident mindset and one foot trying to figure out how to think like a registrar. You’re no longer just following instructions—you’re giving them. You’re leading ward rounds, liaising with consultants, triaging cases, and mentoring interns and residents. It’s a lot of responsibility, and at first, it feels like you’re just pretending to be in charge. But slowly, you adapt, and by the end of the year, you start to feel like you actually know what you’re doing (kind of).
The big lesson here? It’s a mental shift. You’re not just “doing the work” anymore—you’re managing the team and taking ownership of the outcomes. It’s a steep learning curve, but honestly, I’ve loved it.
2. Saying “Yes” Opens Doors (But It’s Exhausting)
This year was all about leveling up. As a registrar, you’re exposed to more opportunities than ever before. Whether it’s performing parts of surgeries, handling tricky cases, or simply being the one responsible for decision-making, the more you say yes to, the more you grow. And when you’re in surgery, for example, taking on more responsibility leads to the best kind of learning. The consultants get to know your skills, and they start trusting you with more.
But here’s the flip side—saying yes to everything is a one-way ticket to burnout. Medicine has this weird paradox where you want to take on as much as possible to grow, but if you’re not careful, it can consume you. It’s a fine balance, and one I’m still figuring out. The key, I’ve realised, is knowing when to push yourself and when to pull back.
3. Burnout Is Real, and Balance Is Hard
This one hit hard. Being a doctor is a privilege, but it’s also draining. The long hours, the high-pressure situations, and the constant need to keep learning—it can take a toll. I’ve had weeks where I didn’t see friends or family, skipped exercise, or barely got enough sleep because work took over.
One thing I’ve learned this year is that balance doesn’t come naturally—it takes effort. Sometimes that means saying no to extra shifts or taking a weekend to completely disconnect. And sometimes, it’s as simple as finding small moments in the day to breathe. I’ve realised that the better I take care of myself, the better I am for my patients and my team.
4. You Set the Tone as a Leader
This one was a game-changer for me. As a registrar, you’re now the leader of the team on the ground. The consultant might be overseeing things, but you’re the one running the day-to-day. That means setting the tone for how the team works. Are you clear about what needs to be done? Are you approachable when interns or residents need help? Are you making sure tasks don’t fall through the cracks?
I won’t lie—it’s a bit weird at first to go from being a team member to being the “boss.” But it’s also incredibly rewarding to see your team working smoothly, knowing you’ve played a part in that. And it’s not just about giving orders—it’s about supporting your team, making sure everyone’s on the same page, and ensuring the patients get the best care possible.
This year has been all about growth. From learning how to think like a registrar to leveling up my skills and balancing work with life, I’ve come out of it feeling more confident and capable—but also more aware of the challenges that come with this career. Medicine is a marathon, not a sprint, and as much as I’ve learned this year, I know there’s still so much more to go.
If you’re about to step into a similar role or if you’re already in the thick of it, I’d love to hear your experiences. What’s been the biggest lesson for you? And if you’re just starting out, feel free to drop any questions. I’d be happy to help.
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