By the time you hit your second rotation, you're not brand new anymore – but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. The transition into a new team, different systems, a fresh area of medicine (and sometimes a completely new hospital or rural site) is a big shift. You’re starting again: figuring out the workflow, learning new names, understanding expectations and adapting to a different culture – all while staying on top of your clinical responsibilities.

This kind of change is a regular part of the early years of medicine. Some doctors find it energising – a chance to reset, learn something new and meet new colleagues. Others find it exhausting or overwhelming, especially if they’ve just hit their stride in the last rotation. However you feel about it, know that this mix of excitement, uncertainty and fatigue is very common.

And by now, you’ve probably got a sense of how this rotation is landing for you – whether you’re enjoying it, feeling neutral or finding it a hard slog.

If you love it – that’s great. Make the most of it. If it’s a grind – you’re not alone. But either way, your mindset matters. One of the best things you can do is actively decide to ace each rotation – not in the sense of perfection, but by defining for yourself what a ‘win’ looks like. What do you want to walk away with? A new skill? A stronger relationship with a supervisor? More confidence managing a particular kind of patient?
 

If you're struggling

This phase can bring a heavy mental load – constantly absorbing new information, staying alert to unfamiliar processes, navigating uncertainty and managing how you're seen by others in each new environment. It’s mentally and emotionally taxing, even if you're coping on the surface.

• Tune in to your core needs – What helps you feel grounded, functional and okay? Sleep, food, movement, social connection, time alone? Prioritise these – they’re not optional extras.
• Don't over-commit – Say no to unnecessary obligations outside of work during high-load weeks. You don't have to be socially available or take on extra study, volunteering or admin if you’re running low.
• Focus on what you can get from this – even if it’s just becoming more efficient, getting better at asking for help, or learning what kind of medicine you don’t want to pursue.
• Keep a low-friction work diary – jot down what you’re learning or reflecting on every few days. It helps track progress and spot growth even when the days blur together.
• Protect your energy – focus on small wins, take breaks when you can and avoid perfectionism.
• Talk to people who get it – friends, peers, mentors. Internships are meant to be tough. That doesn’t mean you’re not good at the job.
   

If you're enjoying the rotation

• Be curious – ask questions, follow interesting cases, talk to consultants about their career paths.
• Build relationships – take the chance to grow your network and find mentors.
• Get a great reference – show up engaged, reliable and eager to learn. Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback or let someone know you’d appreciate a reference down the track.
• Seek out extra opportunities – if you have the capacity, get involved in audits, research or quality improvement projects. Attend extra education sessions. Scrub in for an interesting procedure or ask to learn a new skill.
• Stay a bit longer – on your own terms – if your workload is manageable and you’re choosing to stay for your own learning (not because you’re required to), it can be a good chance to get more experience. Just remember, if it’s your decision to stay and not rostered overtime, you won’t be able to claim it – so only do it if it genuinely benefits you and doesn’t cut into your recovery time.
• Capture what’s working – what habits, tools or approaches are helping you thrive right now?
   

No matter what

• Acknowledge the load – You're holding a lot in your head and shoulders. That deserves respect and care.
• Check your mindset – Are your expectations realistic? Are you judging yourself more harshly than anyone else is? What would you say to a friend in your shoes?
• Put supports in place – routines that anchor you, activities that restore you, people who understand you.
• Celebrate your wins – no matter how small they are. You’re doing hard things every day – recognise them.
• Reframe what doesn’t go to plan – not everything will go perfectly. That doesn’t mean you’ve failed. See setbacks or challenges as learning opportunities that will shape your practice.
• Lean on us – AMA Victoria is here for career advice, industrial support, coaching, and guidance if things start to feel unsustainable.

Need support?

If you're finding this rotation hard or want to talk through how to manage it, book a free and confidential career call with AMA Victoria's Professional Development & Careers team. 

If there’s a workplace issue, get in touch with our Workplace Relations team for support:

Phone: (03) 9280 8722
Email: [email protected]

You don’t have to push through on your own. Each rotation is a chance to learn more – not just about medicine, but about yourself as a doctor. You don’t have to love every moment, but you can aim to finish each one stronger than you started.