Today’s inane images of the day:
After four wonderful years at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, I can now call myself Dr. Amanda Xi. Thank you to my supportive family, boyfriend, friends, colleagues, and blog readers that have helped push me through the tough times and celebrated the joys with me. I could not have done it without all of you.
As part of our graduation ceremony, our PRISM mentors alongside one of our deans “hooded” each of us. Following the hooding, my mentor sitting next to me asked, “How does it feel to be a doctor?” I smiled and replied, “I’m feeling a bit heavier,” motioning at the portfolio prop we were each given on-stage. Although it was a lighthearted reply, in reality, that’s exactly how I feel.
Following my graduation, a dear friend sent me a wonderfully appropriate graduation gift [you know who you are – thank you!] that included Dr. Emily Transue’s book, On Call. At a mere 233 pages, I figured that I had enough time to at least start the book, but didn’t have high hopes of finishing it. Yesterday, after finishing Kristof & WuDunn’s book, A Path Appears, I opened Dr. Transue’s book and devoured it in a single sitting.
[If you couldn’t tell, I’m trying to do as much fun reading I can before I start internship.]
Dr. Transue does a remarkable job displaying raw emotion and describing very real patient situations – all packaged into short, easy-to-read narratives. Each story could stand on its own, but together, they weave a tale of the coming of age of a young, compassionate physician. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t shed a few tears – Dr. Transue really captures each moment beautifully.
So, now that I’m a doctor, how do I feel? No different; although I can now append the letters “M.D.” to my signature and select “Dr.” as a title, I am not a physician yet. I know that I have many firsts to face in the upcoming year that will ultimately shape my future practice of medicine. Despite seeing and doing as much as I could as a medical student, the transition from student to resident marks a significant shift in responsibility.
With each passing day, I grow more and more terrified of the adjustment I will be forced to make in late-June. In the meantime, I will continue to distract myself with travel, books and writing.
Dear Dr Xi,
I said hello to you as you were helping at the recent AMWA meeting in Chicago. I applaud your piece on Dr Ezekiel’s remarks about physician income. My husband and I both embarked on second careers as physicians…also in Michigan…and one definitely doesn’t go into medicine for the money. We work long hours, have significant debt (med school loans), have a mortgage and retirement and educational costs for children! You are absolutely correct! Best wishes as you embark on your adventure, Nawal
Dear Nawal,
Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment! I do hope we cross paths again soon – would love to have a chance to just chat about your experience!
Amanda