Name
Gurjinder S. Olekh, MD
Residency Program
Psychiatry
Program Year
PGY-2
Medical School
Ross University School of Medicine
Home
Abbotsford, British Columbia
About
Where are you from, and where did you go to medical school?
I was born and raised in a small town called Abbotsford, close to Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada. I went to school at Ross University School of Medicine, based out of Barbados.
What made you decide to go into Psychiatry?
I knew from day one that I would either be going into Family Medicine or Psychiatry. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand how mental illness can impact individuals and their loved ones. This experience left a lasting impression on me and helped me realize that this is the field I want to pursue. What finally drove me towards Psychiatry over Family Medicine was that I realized very early on during my time at medical school that I faint at the sight of blood. Family Medicine also requires knowing a lot more information while in Psychiatry, you can be more of a master on the topic.
How do you maintain wellness here in residency?
My wife is my biggest supporter and really ensures I focus on my wellness when I can. We keep the same routine during the work week and unwind together on the weekends. During my toughest rotation, she made wellness a priority and helped me through a very challenging two-month period.
Now that you are going into your second year of residency, what do you suggest to new interns about how they can maintain wellness during residency?
What really helped me was spending time with my co-residents. Being able to talk to others going through a similar experience really helped me cope with some of the more stressful days on service. Sleep was one of my main priorities, and I never went a day without at least eight hours of sleep throughout my first year. We are taught to prioritize sleep, nutrition, hydration, and exercise, but sometimes it’s not always possible to do them all. Pick the ones that matter the most to you and set realistic goals.
You took the GME Wellness department along with you during a Psychiatry resident boat outing on Lake Lanier. Tell us a little more about what you do for fun in your free time.
My go-to everyday wellness activities are video games, movies with my wife, and taking the dogs on a walk. At least once a month, I hang out with my co-residents from Psychiatry, Internal Medicine, and Family Medicine from Canada, who I have really gotten close to. At least once a quarter, I try to arrange an activity with my cohort of residents in Psychiatry.
What are some daily habits/rituals you have?
During the week, I wake up at the same time every day and eat the same things for breakfast, lunch and dinner. After getting home from work, I work on some test prep, try to do a couple of practice questions and read about one new pharmaceutical every night.
Any advice for students interested in medicine?
Don’t be afraid to travel to different sites to practice. It may be scary to do residency somewhere far from home, but I know people doing it who are very happy with their experience so far.