Medicine ward survival tips

What a medicine ward actually feels like

Medicine units are usually the heaviest for house officers. Long lists, complex patients, frequent calls about electrolytes, fever, low urine output and relatives who want updates. The work is repetitive but the responsibility feels real from day one.

A workable daily rhythm

• Arrive early enough to review overnight events and the sickest patients before the round.
• Keep a running list of pending labs, imaging and jobs. Update it continuously.
• During rounds, write the plan the moment it is decided. Do not rely on memory.
• After rounds, prioritise the unstable patients and the time-critical jobs first.
• Leave clear handover notes, especially for anyone who might deteriorate overnight.

The calls that come again and again

Fever, low urine output, high or low potassium, hypoxia, new confusion, chest pain and “the relative wants to talk”. Learn the first steps for each from the clinical guides on this site so you are not inventing the approach at 2 a.m.

When you are unsure, call early rather than late. Seniors prefer a timely call over a late disaster.

How people finish the rotation intact

• Protect one proper meal and water. Dehydration and skipped food make everything harder.
• Write everything down. The list is your memory.
• Do not try to look like you already know everything. Asking clear questions builds trust faster.
• Use post-call time for recovery first, study second.

Read next: House job survival guide · Surviving night duty · Studying for FCPS Part 1 during house job · Clinical guides for the ward: medicine on call and surgery on call.

Frequently asked questions