HANDS ON THE WHEEL, EYES ON THE ROAD: Welcoming the Next Generation
The Annual Rite of Passage That Connects Every Doctor—Past, Present, and Future
July 1 is the start of a new month, a new quarter, and inside our hospitals, a major transition is underway. For our new interns, this moment is a rite of passage—one every physician, whether in private practice or still on the wards, remembers with a mix of nerves and fondness.
If you’re not in medicine, think back to the first time you sat behind the wheel of a car. There was anticipation, maybe a little fear, and the thrill of possibility. Hands gripping the wheel, eyes darting from mirrors to the road, you were hyper-aware of every instruction and every mistake. You learned not just from the rules, but from the little moments—stalling at a stop sign, missing a turn, or finally parallel parking perfectly. Eventually, what was once overwhelming became second nature.
That’s exactly where our new doctors are now. Their job is to observe and absorb, to learn what to do—and, just as importantly, what not to do. Every shift is a lesson, every patient a new chapter. For those of us who’ve been there, the nostalgia is real: the camaraderie of late-night calls, the comfort of a shared meal in the break room, the small victories and the stories that become legend.
And here’s some advice that stands the test of time: Listen to the nurses—they know the rhythms of the hospital better than anyone. Treat the techs with respect; their expertise will save you more than once. And never forget to say thank you to the maintenance and food staff, because in the toughest moments, they’re often the ones who keep everything (and everyone) going.
So to all the new interns: remember, nobody expects you to know everything right away. We’ve all had our moments of uncertainty, and honestly, the learning doesn’t stop after residency — we’re all still learning—every single day. Lean on your team, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to admit when you need help. The hospital is full of people rooting for you, from the folks who keep the lights on to the ones who hand you your first set of scrubs. We’re all in this together, and sometimes, the best thing you can do is simply listen, say thank you, and keep putting one foot in front of the other.
You’re going to be OK!
