Medicine isn’t a guessing game. Always ask for help.
Mine was an unusually long hiatus from residency for research training. And in the rough readjustment to clinical environments and work processes, one forgotten element seemed glaringly problematic:
“Have a plan,” said one attending, “If you don’t know, just guess.”
And another, in a teaching session, “Just guess, even if you’re wrong.”
From a chief resident during an awkward pause when a junior was put on the spot: “Just guess; it’s OK.” When …
