Today is the last day of the year, marking the end of the inpatient unit rotation. As I complete my last 12-hour shift of the year 2023, I take some time for reflection. Great advances in medicine have been made by looking back and taking time to reflect, just like paying attention to the side effects of a drug or the trends of infection from a particular virus. It is necessary to look back and reflect to become better doctors.
I look back, starting from when I finished medical school. When I got my first job, I focused on saving money to come to the United States. My work was just a means to earn money. When I arrived, I concentrated on studying for the USMLE and completing my CV to enter a pediatrics residency. Again, at the beginning of my pediatrics residency, every rotation was just a requirement to become a pediatrician. Always, my motivation was somewhere in the future, not the present.
Have you ever thought, ‘When I become a pediatrician on my own, I will do things differently. I will study more, take more time with my patients, and examine them better. Not long ago, I found a book that made me realize how little I was living in the present by visualizing a future ‘good pediatrician.’ (4000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals).
At the finish line of residency, I regret missing those opportunities where I delayed being better. I don’t want to wait anymore to complete training to be the best pediatrician I can be. Since making that decision, I noticed how much more I enjoy my work. I play more with kids and take more time with them and their families. It is not always easy, and sometimes I leave some things for the future “good pediatrician,” but change is not always easy, and I am proud of my small accomplishments.
I want to encourage everyone to reflect on those times when you delayed doing the best you could. This year, try to be present and enjoy your journey as a resident. Don’t wait until you finish residency or fellowship to improve.
With Love, Happy New Year.
This post is dedicated to the floor team in December. Praful, Abhinav, Kumar, Rajan and Radwa. You made me better.