There comes a time in life when old things come to an end and new beginnings must commence. For Jemina and I, that time is now.
We have finally made it to the final lap of what has seemingly been an endless race. As the concluding year of residency dwindles from months to days, the light at the end of the tunnel is shining brighter. This is a very exciting time in our lives but it is also speckled with anxiety. Most of the uneasinness comes from not knowing for sure what lies ahead.
What do I do next?
Where do I go?
Will I match into a fellowship program?
What will I do if I don't?
Will I pass my board exam?
Am I happy with my career?
The biggest worry is concern over whether or not I'm actually a good doctor and know what I'm doing. We all suffer from lack of confidence from time to time and that feeling is heightened when your decisions impact the lives of others. I am reassured in the fact that I have been exceptionally trained and have experienced a multitude of situations which have improved my clinical expertise.
Rather than dwell on the negative, I'm focusing on the benefits of transition and the positive impact it has. A few of the perks of transitioning include allowing me to
Shape my identity- I can confidently acknowledge who I am as a woman, physician, and mentor and ascertain I am proud of who I am
Refocus on life goals- I need to decipher what is important to me and create new goals I'd like to accomplish
Reflect- Recollecting on the difficulties of residency as well as the conquered challenges, I realize I have come a long way
Refocus- I need to recognize that there are skills that still need to be improved and honed prior to completing residency.This will allow me to act mindfully and with intention within the final few months
Be an optimist- Things will work themselves out, they always have and they always will!
Deciding what's next can be a harrowing experience. Considering the who, what, where's, and why's can by overwhelming. Rather than cause unnecessary stress I am focusing on taking things one step at a time, allowing life to unfold on it's own. I am confident that no matter which direction I go, God is on my side and will place me exactly where I am supposed to be.
Robert Frost's infamous poem "The Road Not Taken" perfectly describes the impact of transitioning
| The Road Not Taken |
| Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, | |
| And sorry I could not travel both | |
| And be one traveler, long I stood | |
| And looked down one as far as I could | |
| To where it bent in the undergrowth; | 5 |
| Then took the other, as just as fair, | |
| And having perhaps the better claim, | |
| Because it was grassy and wanted wear; | |
| Though as for that the passing there | |
| Had worn them really about the same, | 10 |
| And both that morning equally lay | |
| In leaves no step had trodden black. | |
| Oh, I kept the first for another day! | |
| Yet knowing how way leads on to way, | |
| I doubted if I should ever come back. | 15 |
| I shall be telling this with a sigh | |
| Somewhere ages and ages hence: | |
| Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— | |
| I took the one less traveled by, | |
| And that has made all the difference. | 20 |
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