I'm nearly 2 months into my emergency medicine residency at UConn. First month, July, was trauma, this month was anesthesia. Finally I will be in the ED next month...

A few things I've learned. The medical culture is a rougher out here on the east coast, indeed. Attendings are more likely to get in your face about something, will not sugar coat their criticisms, more likely to haze and jibe. But I don't think the culture is more toxic here than back in Oregon. Tough but not toxic.

A few take home points - a this is a gross generalization I realize. In Oregon respect and forgiveness are given to you by simply being a medical graduate and you either retain or lose them based on your performance and character. On the east coast it is the opposite. You start with zero and have to earn respect and forgiveness the day you start.

Either way here are the simple pearls:

1. Work very hard all the time and never complain
2. Show leadership and initiative in your medical decisions, and stand up for them
   
3. Show interest and enthusiasm for everything
4. Be humble