Today, I am writing in the pediatric ICU call room. It is my last day of residency, and I follow the same routine as any other day. Part of me can’t believe residency is over. I have so much to say, but I decided to keep it short.
In this final post, I share 10 lessons I have learned during these three years. People may argue these lessons are general knowledge. However, humans have selective memory, and some things should be read frequently. That may be why some religions encourage reading their sacred books every day. “And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life so that he may learn…” (Deut. 17:19).
I won’t explain these lessons; they should be taken as they come. My recommendation for everyone (pediatrics resident or not) is to read them daily; I am sure they will help you as they have helped me.
- You are worthy and valuable.
- What you do matters.
- Be grateful; you are lucky.
- You can’t control everything.
- Be compassionate to others and also to yourself.
- It is better to be kind than to be right.
- It is normal and human to make mistakes.
- Be present. You won’t live this moment twice.
- Don’t take your health or your family for granted.
- The meaning of life is love.
I want to thank my readers for their support and encouragement during the last six months of residency. It has been fun, and I’ll see you in the next chapter of my life as a general pediatrician.
With love,
Dr. Natalie Vega