OP, you're not alone. I really think this is a matter of perspective.
First, I really think you'd be abnormal if you didn't feel SOME sort of anxiety with starting residency. I start related activities tomorrow, and feel a bit anxious.
I think a tendency that many of us have is that we expect ourselves to know (after all we're MD/DO's now, with the diploma to prove it!) everything and to be 100% competent all of the sudden.
That's where we err. Sure, this is a new challenge. We'll be held to a higher standard, to be sure. But, if we were expected to know everything, than why would there even be such a thing called residency?? Hell, you should just jump in there, run the L&D board, teach medical students, run the C-section....... You see the problem here?
*****A very important tool is controling what YOU ALLOW into your head. And it's NOT easier said than done. You can do it. If you focus on all of the scary stuff, then your response (disproportionate levels of anxiety) will reflect that. But, if you focus on the positives, likewise.
An example; We all know it's gonna be hard work with greater responsibility. But, focus on the learning opportunities. Focus on the kinsmenship you'll feel with all of the other interns at your program. Realize that (aside from certain malignant personalities that ALL programs have and which EVERYONE must cope with) as a general rule attendings and senior residents will realize you are, well, an intern!
Everyone knows interns will have a steep learning curve. SO, you need to ALLOW YOURSELF THAT. That is, allow yourself to KNOW that you're NOT supposed to know everything. You will not be expected to know the EMR system IN AND OUT. You will not be expected to know dosages of all meds. You will not be expected to know the names of all of the consultants in the hospital. You will not be expected to know your way around even (if you haven't rotated where you're starting). There's lots more that you will not be expected to know.
I often think about, "what if" I'm strolling down the hall and someone codes and their are no senior residents around. Well, f.ck it! If that happens, you're not going to be expected to run a PERFECT code. Just do your best (I hope I'm not adding you anyone's anxiety here....LOL). You'll do just fine and help will arrive.
So, many may chime in and suggest, "yeah cfdavid, but you'll be expeted to know all those things in short order!" Perhaps. But, the point is that you'll be able to rise to the learning curve just fine as you've done all your life.
Internship will be a challenge, for sure. But, you're there to LEARN. Again, the reality may be that you're really there to WORK. HOWEVER, you have the moral authority to learn. That's really what residency is about. So, asking questions (not TOO unlike you did as a med student) is perfectly o.k.
Interestingly, an MICU attending at a hospital I rotated at suggested (to med students and residents alike) that you should have at least 3 questions PER PATIENT. Now, clearly that's not going to be every attending's style (obviously), but let that shed some perspective on it. What did he mean? That he knows you don't know it all!
And, when you ask questions (let's face it, medicine in general is very GRAY) it shows curiosity, and interest. They'll be expecting that anyway. That being said, if it's not your cup of tea, then don't STRESS about not asking questions. I only bring it up because it's perfectly NORMAL not to know it all as a newly minted intern.
O.k. I hope that helped everyone. It sure helped me......
cf