Introduction Starting a new job can feel overwhelming. There are new people to meet, systems to understand, and expectations to learn. That is why new employees are often told to “be a sponge.” The idea is simple: observe, learn, and avoid mistakes. Learning is important, but blindly absorbing everything around you is not always the best strategy. Being a “sponge” can encourage you to accept every process, opinion, habit, and workplace behavior without asking whether it is actually useful. The goal should not be to absorb everything. It should be to understand your environment, learn what matters, ask questions, and develop your own judgment. Why “Being a Sponge” Sounds Like Good Advice Learning from experienced colleagues can help you understand how a workplace operates. You can learn how meetings work, decisions are made, and expectations are set. The problem begins when learning becomes passive. A new employee may remain quiet and follow existing systems without questioning them. Bu...
Introduction Sir William Osler is one of the most famous and charming physicians of all time. He was an amazing clinical personality and possessed extraordinary skills. He was a prolific writer and his textbooks are still popular among medical practitioners around the world. His lovely conversations with his students and colleagues were documented and several journals appeared in his honor. His popularity can be understood by knowing that several medals, busts, and awards are still in his name. McGill university instituted the Osler society in 1921, the Osler Club of London was established in 1928 and the American Osler society was established in 1971. Japan also instituted the Osler society in 1983 to celebrate the contributions of Sir William Osler towards medical research. But everything was not so perfect as he was a mediocre student during his college life. In the spring of 1871, he picked up a book and read 21 words which changed his life completely. He became so popular that two...