Starting your internship after medical school is a profound transition, and feeling like a burden or experiencing loneliness is something many of interns go through. You’re suddenly thrust into a fast-paced environment where expectations feel high, and your role as a learner often seems secondary to the demands of the team.On that thread, we are going to discuss some of advices to be sure that you are not intrusive and also not to understimate your self or feeling you are burden on the team.Here are key redlines to avoid being intrusive during your internship:

1. Don’t interrupt during critical tasks or emergencies: If seniors are managing urgent situations, observe quietly and save your questions for later. Timing is crucial.

2. Avoid asking vague or poorly thought-out question*: Prepare specific, relevant questions that show you’ve done some initial thinking or research.

3. Don’t hover unnecessarily: Be present but maintain a respectful distance unless you're directly involved or assisting with a task.

4. Refrain from overstepping boundaries: Don’t perform tasks or make decisions without proper supervision or explicit instructions, even if you feel confident.

5. Avoid monopolizing your senior’s time: Respect their workload. Keep interactions focused and brief unless they’ve allocated time for teaching or discussion.

6. Don’t push for involvement in every case: If a senior says there's nothing for you to do, accept it and observe or find other productive ways to learn.

7. Avoid interrupting patient interactions:If a senior is communicating with a patient, wait until they’ve finished before asking questions or seeking clarification.

8. Don’t take over simple tasks without asking: Always offer help but confirm it’s appropriate before stepping in, even for minor responsibilities like fetching equipment or writing notes.

9. Refrain from constant self-deprecation: Saying “I know I’m a burden” or similar comments can make the team uncomfortable. Trust that your presence is valuable.

10. Don’t neglect proactive learning Relying solely on seniors to teach you can make you seem passive. Take the initiative to read, observe, and prepare independently.

By being mindful of these boundaries, you can integrate smoothly into the team and create opportunities for learning without feeling intrusive.