The Next Phase

My fourth year of medical school winds down and I'm starting to think about the next step. The applications are over, the interviews are in full swing, and I'm finally wrapping my head around all of it. There will be big changes in the future; new hospital, new staff, new location are all in the cards. There is excitement and frustration in the unknown. I am ready for the next challenge and apprehensive of what it might be.

I'm not sure what it takes to be a good physician. From what I see, they must be able to master the knowledge of medicine, apply it to each unique case, and then be able to work with and communicate to the patients so that both sides can work heal the patient. Sounds straightforward, but I wonder how one puts all these things together. Seems like a great ordeal.

On a personal note, I am looking forward to coming home for Thanksgiving. This is our big celebration. Everyone is invited over for turkey and Dad's kebobs. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone, eating extremely well, and playing board games into the night. Getting a chance to see family always puts things in perspective. No matter what happens, you know you'll have someone to turn to in a time of need. That kind of safety net makes taking a risk that much less scary.

This new Cooler Master Rapid Fire mechanical keyboard is like butter to type on. I'm still adjusting to the increased travel of the, but as I become more adjusted, I know I made the right choice. It's a little loud, which makes bringing the computer back into the room a non-starter. At this point though, it is a worthy investment.

Renal

On my first week of nephrology, and I've been enjoying it so far. Attending is cool, residents are willing to teach, and the students are all reasonable. This is all you can ask for a elective rotation. Sometimes, I see the surgery teams rounding and I cringe. I would not want to be in that situation again. I even enjoy being in the ICU again, which is what medicine will do to you. I'm thinking I picked the right field. Medicine involves a lot of thinking and a little less doing. I can work with that.

Next up is getting a new phone. My HTC Evo 4G has been a trooper, making it the full two years of the contract and still being relevant. Granted, I'm still stuck on gingerbread (CM 7.2), but that is all you can ask for at this point. Right now, the Nexus 4 is at the top of my list. The thought of a fully-functional ICS smartphone with no contract for $300 is rather appealing. I may cave in and go back to another contract, but I'm trying to hold out at this point. One major aspect is getting the parent's upgraded to iPhones, which I'm sure they will be extremely pleased with. Can't argue with a very user-friendly interface. Sprint is crap, so we'll be switching to ATT or Verizon, although I'm leaning towards Verizon right now.

Interview Season

Another post after a long hiatus. Interview season is upon us. Lots of travel and public transportation to get to lots of hospitals I’ve never heard of before. This is my life. So far, New York has been good to me, although they have been through their own trials in the form of Hurricane Sandy. Amazing how quickly this city is back up, although equally amazing to see just how much the storm did to this island.

Currently on the Staten Island Ferry, making my way over to Staten Island University Hospital. Sadly, there was too much fog to catch the Statue of Liberty or Ellis Island, hoping I’ll see it on the way back. Luckily, I made it in before the blizzard kicked in full steam. It’s still falling outside. I was at Jersey Shore Medical Center on Monday: brand new facility, nice attending, happy residents. If it weren’t for the long trips home, I’d be all for it. At the same time, considering I won’t have much time to myself, maybe it’s not such a bad option.

So far, one California program is done. Unfortunately, the East Coast programs are seemingly much better, but the distance is an issue, as well as the East coast support staff. I’ve been brutalized by urban nurses once in the Bronx, not sure I want to walk into that situation again. They say it’ll be done before you know it, but three years still seems like a long time.

Seems odd moving on to the next phase. Felt like I was finally comfortable with all my rotations and now I’ll be in the position of responsibility as an intern, which is both a reward and a challenge. Part of me things it’ll be overwhelming and I wonder if I can handle it. The other part thinks that there are many who have done it before me and many more will come after, so I’m not that special and I’ll be able to finish.