Bridging the Gap Between Medical School and Residency: What Dr. Matthew Steiner of Indiana Wishes He Knew

As a newly minted physician, I remember vividly the jarring transition from medical school to residency. It wasn’t just about longer hours or increased responsibility—it was a complete shift in mindset, expectations, and pace. Reflecting on those early days, I realize there were several key lessons I wish I had known before starting residency. For medical students on the brink of this transition, here’s what I learned that helped me bridge the gap—and what I wish I had been told earlier.

1. You’re Expected to Know More Than You Think—But Also, It’s Okay to Ask

In medical school, there’s always someone double-checking your work, giving you time to research and plan. Residency doesn’t offer that same safety net. From day one, you’re expected to manage patients, make decisions, and act swiftly. I quickly learned that I was no longer a student—I was a doctor. The shift in identity is powerful but daunting.

However, it’s crucial to remember that no one expects you to know everything. Asking for help or clarification isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of responsibility. Your senior residents and attendings expect questions. What they don’t expect is silence in the face of uncertainty.

2. Clinical Judgment Is More Important Than Memorization

I had memorized countless facts during med school. But what mattered most in residency was knowing how to apply that knowledge. You need to prioritize, make quick judgments, and adapt when patients don’t “follow the textbook.” Residency hones your clinical instincts in ways med school never could.

This means getting comfortable with ambiguity. There isn’t always a single right answer, and you’ll learn more from managing complex, nuanced cases than from reviewing UWorld questions.

3. Time Management and Efficiency Are Your New Superpowers

Residency demands brutal efficiency. Between rounding, charting, procedures, and follow-ups, time evaporates quickly. I wish I had invested more time during med school in learning how to document efficiently, communicate concisely, and multitask without losing focus. You’ll also need to set boundaries and protect your limited rest time, because burnout is real—and it’s fast.

4. Emotional Resilience Matters Just As Much As Medical Knowledge

Residency is an emotional rollercoaster. You’ll witness suffering, lose patients, make mistakes, and question yourself constantly. I wasn’t prepared for the emotional weight that came with patient care. Developing coping mechanisms, leaning on your support system, and seeking therapy when needed are vital. Taking care of your own mental health isn’t optional—it’s a professional imperative.

5. Celebrate the Small Wins

Progress during residency often feels intangible. You’ll rarely get praise, and improvement is slow. But every time you correctly diagnose a patient, handle a code calmly, or comfort a grieving family—you’re growing. Celebrate those moments. They matter.