Preparing the colon and rectal resident for real world practice: What should the graduate in 2015 be prepared for?

Despite the myriad of changes in the health care work environment and the constant pessimism that we are now subjected to, it is still a privilege to be a surgeon! There are several keys to success but none more substantial than your attitude. Furthermore, if you have joined a team of individuals with solidarity, and the leader has a clear vision for both the group and your role then you are set up for great accomplishment. Understanding what your personal and professional priorities are and how they may evolve is critical to implementing a focused plan. This basic yet elusive awareness will allow you to establish daily and weekly habits that are the cornerstone to achievement and personal contentment. Most importantly, your ability to take complete ownership for your clinical mishaps and personal grievances will allow you to grow and mature as a surgeon and an individual! This article will provide you with additional details regarding your first-attending job environment and hopefully some insights that you can incorporate into your career.