Medical student Ikaneng Yingwane provides some of his own learnings from his studies at Sefako Magktaho Health Sciences University - to help others make the most of their on-call experiences.

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Being on call as a medical student provides a unique opportunity for learning and development. It provides hands-on experience, exposure to a variety of cases, and the opportunity to improve essential decision-making abilities under pressure. Optimising learning during on-call shifts demands strategic planning, good time management, and a proactive approach to education.

Preparation is Key

A thorough preparation is required before beginning an on-call shift. Reviewing pertinent medical literature, recommendations, and protocols for common emergencies helps improve your readiness. Familiarising yourself with the hospital's resources, such as diagnostic tools and support services, is important. Furthermore, having a rudimentary awareness of the patient's medical history and current medicines might help to ensure smoother handovers.

Active Participation

During on-call hours, try to actively seek opportunities to actively participate in patient care. You can shadow senior colleagues, ask insightful questions, and offer your assistance wherever available. This can all result in beneficial learning experiences for you. Active participation in conversations about patient management plans, differential diagnosis, and treatment alternatives allows you to develop practical knowledge of the clinical decision-making processes.

Reflective Practise

Document noteworthy situations, notable encounters, and lessons acquired while on call (carrying a small notebook comes in handy). By reflecting on personal experiences, recognising areas for your growth, and establishing learning objectives you gain self-awareness and continual professional development. Regularly reviewing and revising those reflective diaries can help to reinforce learning and increase your knowledge retention over time.

Seize Learning Opportunities

On-call settings frequently bring unanticipated circumstances and emergent events, giving you unique learning experiences. So, take the initiative to assist with operations, do clinical assessments, and participate in resuscitation efforts (under supervision of course). Accept adversities as learning opportunities and be receptive to feedback from peers and mentors to improve skill acquisition and clinical proficiency.

Manage Time Effectively

Maximizing learning possibilities requires effective time management during on-call shifts. Aim to prioritise tasks based on their urgency and clinical relevance, allow enough time for patient assessments and documentation, and use effective communication tactics to streamline workflow. Balancing professional tasks with self-care activities (including staying hydrated, taking breaks, and getting enough sleep) is critical for sustaining cognitive your function and general health.

Embrace Feedback

Seek input from your supervisors, peers, and patients to identify strengths, areas for improvement, and professional development opportunities. Actively seek constructive criticism, show humility, and strive for ongoing self-improvement. Accepting feedback as a stimulus for learning and professional development promotes a culture of excellence and accountability.

On-call experiences provide you with a rich learning environment that promotes skill development, clinical reasoning, and professional progress. You can increase the educational value of your on-call experiences by implementing proactive learning tactics, cultivating collaborative connections, and viewing challenges as opportunities for progress. By doing so, you can emerge from on-call shifts with improved clinical competence and a better understanding of patient care principles. 

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