MD, MPH

I was called to the stage as Dr. Physician Activist in Training.  A trusted mentor placed the green velvet hood over my head.  I took an oath [that was thankfully not the traditional Hippocratic Oath].   There were hugs, pictures, and toasts.  And scene.

Next up, the real fun begins.  Residency.  Bring it on.

Counting

5 years ago, right before I started med school, was the first time I really counted the omer.  Most other years I hadn't been able to make it past day 3 or 4.  And by counting the omer I mean that successfully managed to count until the last week or so when I purposely gave up because it was making me increasingly anxious.  Beyond anxious even. As I was counting up, I was simultaneously counting down to my departure from [the place that I most consider to be] home.  I moved out of that place the day after shavout to begin my medical school journey.  The process of counting grew too overwhelming and so I made the decision to give it up.

This year, with Passover scheduled to begin super soon, I am growing increasingly excited about counting the omer.  Between sundown tonight and shavout I will turn 30, graduate medical school, move out of the place where I went to medical school, figure out where I am living in a new city, [potential even put an offer down to buy a place], and begin the transition to the place of my residency.  I will sign my first real contract and submit forms for my medical license.  By doing these adult-ish things, maybe I'll actually begin to feel like I'm 30.  I will also visit the above mentioned home, my biological home, the place where I did my research year, the place of my med school, & the place I will do residency.  I will spend some time camping in the woods, take a road trip with the person I adore, and celebrate an exciting life event with my cousins.   Plus, who knows what adventures are in store?

I'm pretty excited about counting this omer, indeed.

3 more hours

My medical school already knows.  My residency program already knows.  In 3 hours, I too will know where I will be beginning my ob/gyn training in a few short months! 

After 5 years of medical school, a year of working while applying, 2 years of a post-bac program, 4 years of undergraduate (though most of that time I thought I was going to be a Rabbi and not a doctor), ... anyhow, there has been a lot of time spent to get to this point.  While time seems to be moving a little slowly right now, it is only a drop in the bucket compared to all the time and energy spent imagining being at this point.

Blessed be our Sovereign of time and space, Who has sustained us, protected us and brought us safely to this moment.

96 hours

96 hours between when I got the email today titled "Did I match?" (Yes!) and when I will get the envelope on Friday with the location. 

For now, I'm just extremely happy with all the confirmation today brings: to know that I have a job come July; that I WILL graduate medical school in 8 weeks as otherwise I'll be in breach of NRMP's contract which the med school would never allow; and that I'm going to be an ob/gyn! 

Also, for now, I will be drinking.  That is the advice I have been given (repeatedly) regarding how to get through this week.  I'm taking it to heart.

Eager, not anxious

Anyone have suggestions or advice for surviving the next 11 days?  I'm so ready to get this show on the road and know what the next 4 years of my life will look like!  Or, at the very least, know where in the country I will be living come June/July. 

March 21st can't come soon enough!

Where did February go?

NRMP rank list submitted.
Returned from my month long international rotation.

Now what?

Oh, ya, March.
The month of my last spring break as a student, my favorite medical student convention, The Match, a visit from my mom, the triathlon I'm signed up for (though currently not feeling up to do to recovering from post-URI bronchitis), and so much more.  I think (hope?) March is going to be a good month!
Then April with my 30th birthday, and May with medical school graduation.  Time is marching on & thankfully bringing good things along the way.

Flattered

I just received the following email from a classmate.  I'm totally flattered.  It's a good reminder that the little things we do in our every day life can have a larger positive impact.  A good reminder for all of us, indeed.

"First let me say what a delight it was seeing you in the library last week! I wanted to say thank you for your honesty about failing step 1.  I think so many times as med students we feel such a drive to be perfect, like everyone around us is perfect, and that mistakes and bad days are simply not permitted.  Though I know it was a terrible experience for you, it is a relief to know that someone I respect and admire so much has had a bad day and has continued to thrive and achieve despite that experience.  Your honesty is refreshing and helpful, a reminder that perfection is not achievable.  Thank you for sharing with me.  I hope that it will encourage me to share my own faults with others."