5 WAYS TO STAY CONNECTED DURING AWAY ROTATIONS

You’ve made it to the fourth year of medical school and it’s time for those pesky, but oh so needed, away rotations. It can be overwhelming as you prepare logistically for them. Housing, transportation, food, and whether or not you and the family are going to tag along with your med student from month to month. If you have chosen to live separately for a time during all those aways, you both are likely somewhat dreading the time apart. So! Here are 5 ways to stay connected during away rotations.

1. Video Chats and Phone Calls

This one is obvious but also the most convenient! Especially when it comes to handling the logistics of life and important decisions on the home or schooling front. Life still continues and bills need to be paid. Make sure your bases are covered so you don’t miss those pesky adult tasks in life. Besides that, touching base to just chat and say hi when possible, even if it’s for a couple minutes can give you both the boost you need.

2. Virtual Date Nights

Here’s a few virtual date nights we’ve done or that are on our list…

Watch a movie. Share screen your screen via zoom or FB messenger, create a watch party, or simply start the same movie at the same time while you’re on a video chat.
Play a game together. Words with Friends, Heads Up, 21 questions etc. I’m sure there’s more, I’m just not a big video gamer.
Paint together via a YouTube tutorial.
Make the same meal and eat it together on video chat.
The options are endless!

3. Snail Mail

Go old school and send a letter with a polaroid to say you miss and love them. If you have kiddos, have them draw a picture or make something special for their mommy/daddy. If you really want to get creative, send a care package with all their favorite things or something you know that will make them feel loved (flowers, a heart felt letter, gift card for food etc.) Consider even sending them one of those meals in a box so they don’t have to go grocery shopping!

4. Text Each Other

This form of communication can be quick and easy, but let’s the other know you’re on their mind. In the morning or midday, give a run down of your day so they feel connected with how things are going at home or at the hospital. Send at text of appreciation and love. Express what you miss about them. Share a funny meme, reel, or GIF to make them laugh. Send a picture here and there of what you’re up to throughout the day.

5. Share What’s Hard

Some may feel they don’t want to burden the other with what they are struggling with, whether that’s an event or emotion, because your S.O. can’t do much to help you. However, I feel that it’s important to share the highs and lows with each other when you’re apart. Too often we (both you and your med student) choose to suffer in silence during away rotations and then resentment, depression, and deep homesickness can set in.

Just the other day I called Blade because I just couldn’t handle it anymore. I was so exhausted and tired of everything. I woke up feeling the heaviness of my load and it was crushing. Gratefully, he happen to be off that day and he just let me cry and word vomit. In turn, I discovered he was struggling with being homesick more than ever. Sharing our burdens with each other when apart can actually help relieve some of that load. Plus, it gives you an opportunity to emotionally connect. Don’t shut out your spouse or significant other just because you don’t want to add to their load. That’s not going to build a strong a relationship in an already difficult time.

The Takeaway in Staying Connected

The more touch points you have, even simple ones, can make the biggest difference. Remember, communication can sometimes be frustrating. Technology doesn’t always work and you often can find yourself playing phone tag. So, get creative, have fun, and give each other grace. Share the load of being away together. You can come away stronger because of these away rotations. Don’t let it drive you apart.