On the ICU we get many interns and it is our responsibility to make sure they learn as much as possible. Before I let them see patients on their own or do any procedures I want to get to know them and get an impression on where they are in their career.

That’s why I ask a series of at least three questions: 

1. Which rotations did you complete so far?
   

   Their answer gives me an impression what level of experience I can expect regarding history taking, physical examination and so on.

2. What were your impressions there?
   

   That is an open question and from their answer I will get an idea what they think is the most important thing in a rotation:

   theoretical knowledge?
   practical experience?
   patient contact?
   freetime?

   For example: One student once told me: “During my last rotation they didn’t let me do any blood transfusions on my own!!” (which obviously was a surprise to her). From that point on I knew that she tends to overestimate her own importance and her performance. I explained to her, that she isn’t going to do that here, either.

3. What would you like to learn here?
   

   This gives the student the opportunity to verbalize his expectations. Sometimes I can tell them at that moment: “OK, that won’t happen during my shift.”

   Other times I can question their intentions because many times they will be very focused on learning the wrong things. Is it important for a second year student to implant central venous catheters? (No!) Or should he focus on taking good histories first? (YES!)

So: Get to know your interns!

Once you know what they know, and what they can, you’ll be a better mentor and teacher to them, and you may save yourself a lot of trouble.