How to Deal with Toxic Seniors During Housemanship: A True Story from UCTH Calabar

Disclaimer:
To protect the privacy and dignity of those involved, names and identifying details have been changed. While the events are true, any resemblance to real individuals is purely coincidental.

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Day One – The Reality Check

I resumed my housemanship in the Internal Medicine department of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) with so much excitement. My shirt was crisp. My stethoscope curled confidently around my neck. I had watched enough House MD to feel ready for anything.

That confidence dissolved in less than 24 hours.

On my second ward round, I met Dr. Martins, a Senior Registrar. He had a quiet voice, but every word felt like a test I was destined to fail. He glanced at my clerking, looked up coldly and said:

“You’re a house officer? This handwriting looks like it was done by someone in secondary school.”

My heart sank.

As the days passed, it became routine. My efforts were constantly criticized—often in front of medical students, patients, and the entire team. If I greeted quietly, I was “not bold enough.” If I explained myself, I was “talking back.”

Lesson 1: Don’t Internalize Every Comment

At first, I blamed myself. I began to second-guess everything—even the things I was sure of. Then it hit me:
Not every comment deserves to live rent-free in your head.

Some seniors criticize not because you’re wrong, but to assert power. If you’re not careful, their voice becomes your inner critic.

I started asking myself:

“Is this correction useful, or just a personal jab?”

And I kept only what could help me grow.

Week Three – When It Almost Broke Me

Dr. Martins made me rewrite a discharge summary three times. On the third try, he tossed the file and said:

“I don’t even blame you. It’s this system that just pushes people through.”

That day, I sat alone at the back of the ward. My phone screen stared back at me. I didn’t know who to call or what to say.

Then, fellow House Officer Kayode passed by and said:

“Don’t mind him. He did the same to me last month. Just do your best. He’ll eventually get tired.”

Lesson 2: You’re Not Alone

That simple statement helped me breathe again. I wasn’t the only one.

Toxic seniors have a way of isolating you, making you believe the problem is you. But when you talk to others, you realize—it’s a pattern.

I began forming quiet friendships. We covered each other’s calls. We checked in after rounds. And slowly, it got better.

Mid-Posting – How I Fought Back (Without Fighting)

I started waking earlier. I reviewed every patient. I wrote meticulous notes. I memorized drug charts. I became deliberate.

Dr. Martins still found things to complain about—but they became fewer.

I didn’t become perfect.
I became prepared.

Lesson 3: Competence is a Shield

In places like UCTH, when you know your work, it’s harder for toxic seniors to break you.

It’s not about pride—it’s about confidence through consistency.

From clerking to tracking labs, from documentation to patient plans—the better I got, the stronger I felt.

The Turning Point

One morning, a consultant asked about a patient’s long-term plan. Before anyone else could respond, I stepped forward and presented a full summary, complete with drug rationale and lab expectations.

The consultant nodded.
Dr. Martins said nothing.

Later that day, he pulled me aside:

“Good work. That’s how to present.”

He walked away. No apology. No smile.

But I didn’t need either. I just felt… free.

Final Lesson: Grow Quietly

Some toxic seniors will never change.
They may never apologize or give you the respect you deserve.

That’s okay.

Your goal isn’t their approval—your goal is growth.

Grow quietly. Grow intentionally.
And one day, your confidence won’t come from compliments—it’ll come from the fact that you’ve earned your place.