A) Know specifically who is evaluating you and how for a given rotation. That way you know how many and which residents and/or attendings you need to interact with. If you’re fortunate enough you could even have a chill resident who will let you bail after rounds.

B) Know your exit route off the floor/our of the hospital. While NEVER wearing anything more than your white coat regardless of temperature, you need to know which is the quickest way to get out. Take the stairs, know which bathrooms you can duck in.

C) RESCUE PAGING. If you have a particularly boring activity that you know will happen at a certain time during the day, have a friend page you at set time, and make up some stuff about having to go to a lecture or class meeting. Its a trump card, don’t overuse it.

The one about the backpack is so true!! Unfortunately, we don’t wear white coats in the UK so I have learnt to stuff the minimum into pockets.

On medical rotations, it is also good to say that “I need to find patients with renal, GI etc” conditions. My trick is to arrive on the ward at the right time and then say “I am popping to ward 21 to find a renal patient” That buys a few hours. We also have EMUs (Emergency medical units) and they are great because the ward assumes you are there if they haven’t seen you for a while!

Such good fun reading your posts - I feel that I have found a kindred spirit!