Have you ever felt completely in over your head? Whether you were about to approach a complicated patient, a difficult conversation, a new procedure, or a chaotic resuscitation, we’ve all had moments when it was better to ask for help than to assume. It’s in these moments that we truly understand the importance of recognizing our limits. In this episode, cohosts Molly and Patricia are joined by special guests George Willis and Tim Montrief to explore the crucial skill of asking for help.
Admitting You Need Help
The first step in asking for help is admitting that you need it. This isn’t a sign of weakness, but rather a crucial part of growing and learning. As a medical student, it’s important to remember that you’re not expected to know everything. It’s perfectly okay to have limitations and to acknowledge them. Sometimes, you might feel overwhelmed or unsure of how to handle a situation, and that’s normal. Recognizing these feelings and understanding that it’s a natural part of the learning process helps you stay grounded and focused on improving rather than struggling in silence.
Effective Strategies in Asking for Help
Once you’ve accepted that you need help, the next step is to ask for it. Figuring out who to turn to and how to approach them can be tricky. It’s important to be specific about what you need help with. For example, saying, “Can you show me how to do this?” or “Can you start this procedure for me?” helps clarify what you’re struggling with and what kind of assistance you need. Look for someone with the expertise you need and be direct in your request. If the initial help isn’t enough, don’t hesitate to seek further assistance. Being proactive about finding solutions is crucial, especially when patient care is involved. This will not only enhance your learning experience but also will ensure better patient outcomes. Being honest about your limitations and asking for help is a chance to learn and grow, so don’t let pride or fear hold you back from seeking the support you need.
Being an Advocate
Advocating for yourself and your patient is crucial when seeking help. If a resident is unable to assist you in that moment, it’s perfectly acceptable to escalate your request to attendings, without undermining or criticizing those involved. This approach ensures that you’re addressing the immediate need for assistance while maintaining a collaborative and respectful environment. When reaching out to senior staff, be clear about the situation and why you need their help. For example, you might say, “I’m having difficulty with this procedure and would greatly appreciate your guidance in doing X.” This way, you’re not only seeking the necessary support but also demonstrating your commitment to patient care. Being proactive and respectful in these situations will help you navigate challenges more effectively and build a strong, supportive network within your medical team.
Take-Home Points:
- Acknowledge your limitations and recognize that as a medical student, you are not expected to know everything.
- Be specific in your requests when asking for help.
- Seek help proactively.
Post by Mikaela Brown
About Our Guests:
George Willis, MD
Associate Program Director at UT Health San Antonio Emergency Medicine Residency.
Tim Montrief, MD, MPH, MS Ed.
Assistant Professor of Cardiothoracic Critical Care/Emergency Medicine
Looking For More?
More from Andy, John, Tanner, and Drew: Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more information about what the team is reading, listening to and so much more!
More of your favorite EM Over Easy content: As always, you can find more of your favorite EM Over Easy content by following us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram! Also, please rate us on your favorite podcasting app or by visiting MedForums.
As the OFFICIAL podcast of the ACOEP, check out the ACOEP by visiting acoep.org to learn more and sign up for one of their many CME offerings.