Saturday, June 27, 2015

Finished

After nine consecutive years of medical training (16 years total of post-secondary training), I finally finished last Thursday.  When asked what I do for a living, I no longer have to hem and haw, awkwardly describing myself as an "almost doctor" or "doctor-in-training" or "resident doctor" or "fellow" (what the heck is a fellow?).  I am simply a doctor.  Full stop.

I am a strange mix of exhausted, burnt out, humbled, ecstatic, terrified, and proud.  I've slept poorly ever since finishing, because I am constantly thinking about this new state of being and what it means to me.  I'm not quite sure.  I don't even fully know what comes next, although there is a preliminary contract sitting unsigned on my desk.

At the very least, I know that I have seven weeks off.  I plan to sleep and eat and laugh and daydream and cram in as many of the things that I have said no to over the past nine years as I possibly can.  I feel so, so lucky to have this space and time for the first time in far too many years. 

Stay tuned.

11 comments:

  1. congrats!!! (can't wait til i can say the same... in 4 years haha)

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  2. Huge congratulations. :) It is a monumental achievement.

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  3. Congratulations! My experience: I found graduating quite stressful. All this time with someone looking over my shoulder and suddenly it's JUST ME. I reached out, asked for help from my colleagues and after a few months started to trust myself. If you need help, ask. Others went through it and remember it too!

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  4. You have accomplished a monumental achievement with relatively few peers. Celebrate the accomplishment, you deserve it

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  5. Congratulations! Enjoy your time off.

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  6. Congratulations! I am still in med school but I can already imagine that moment...

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  7. Congratulations! What an accomplishment :) I've enjoyed reading your blog throughout my journey and have been incredibly inspired by your candor, good cheer, and humanity throughout.

    Good luck!!!

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  8. Oh my word! It's possible! You are awesome, congratulations, and thank you for blogging and showing me that it's possible to survive this roller coaster. Enjoy your seven weeks completely and utterly!

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