Question for Surgeons and Docs
 

MSII here about to take step 1. After a long time of prioritizing other expenses I was finally able to buy a bike last year. I played football in college and had speculated that cycling would be a sustainable replacement to fulfill my competitive and active side. After one year I have not been disappointed. I don't have much clinical experience but what I have experienced has pointed me towards surgery (possibly peds sub). Ultimately final decisions are one+ years away but I am still curious as to whether or not surgery residency and surgeon's lifestyle allow for time to pursue cycling (or any residency for that matter).

I do have a small family (4) and like to ride at least three intense rides/wk. What have your experiences been?

Thanks

Not a surgeon, so can't speak to the surgical lifestyle, but I know of many.

I started road biking as MSII, but had to give it up because I couldn't maintain the time commitment, but that was also because I had a bunch of other stuff going on. Without knowing more about that other activities you are into, it's hard to answer your question. But as a ballpark, during my MSIII and MSIV years, I've been able to do at least commit to 3-4hours/week (for weekdays) and 3-4 hours/week (on weekends) for ECs (sports, music, etc..) and still have some time to socialize and study. My surg rotations were the hardest because of long days. During my surg rotations, I had 3 days a week that were at least 6am-6pm and bedtime for me was 930ish. During those days, I was lucky to get a 30min run in on those days. Weekends were better if I wasn't on call.

Residency is much better. I've been able to get 5-6 hours/week (for weekdays) and 3-4 hours/week (on weekends) for ECs. My surg colleagues tend to get quite busy as they get more senior as they're trying to maximize their OR time. I think like most things though, if it's important to you, you'll make time for it.

Indeed. As for myself social life consists of shooting the breeze whilst I procrastinate studying. Having two kids I can't, in good conscience, spend time too much time elsewhere. I do have other hobbies which I dabble in but I have had no qualms putting them aside while I study for boards so that my free time can be devoted to cycling. TBH I would be spending a similar amount of time in the gym if I wasn't on the bike. No matter how fit I may be currently, weight gain always seems to be lurking about.

What residency are you in?

I can't say for surgery, but about a dozen of the guys I ride with are doctors of one type or another. In fact, one of them is my GP.

I'm a practicing GP who does sports med.

One advantage of nursing is that twelve hour shifts are the norm in hospitals, which can result in four days off every week. That was my world for a long time.