Uhh hello! *taps mic* Is this thing on? I decided to start a blogging about my work experiences and how they affect my life (cliché?)

After deciding enter the blogosphere, my next thought was “Do people even read blogs (or books for that matter) anymore?” After being reassured and persuaded by my sister, here I am!?

Let’s start with an introduction…

I’m currently a 3rd year Family Medicine resident working at a busy regional hospital in the Southeastern United States. For those who are wondering “How long did that take and how much longer until you’re a real doctor?”, well let me tell you.

First of all I am a real doctor, I’ve been one since I graduated medical school (hence the degree “Doctorate in Medicine”). Residency is the training process physicians complete after medical school that prepares them for independent practice and yet another exam that will bestow the title of “board certified” in their respective speciality.

• 4 years of college
• 1 year post-baccalaureate program (I took time off between college and medical
  school)
• 4 years of medical school
• 3 years of residency (I have 9 more months!)

 

When I’m not working or sleeping after I’ve been working…I enjoy spending time with my family & friends, reading books (gasp!), discovering new music, and spending time outside. I consider myself an introvert who is learning to extrovert herself when necessary; INFJ if you’re down with Myers-Briggs lingo. I’m also…a realist,  introspective, and sarcastic.

Now that we know each other, let me get to the point.

Residency is tough!

The hours are long, you spend more time at work than at home, hobbies are tossed to the wayside, and it can be emotionally exhausting on top of everything else. I will say that as a family medicine resident my life is probably better than the surgery residents I’ve worked with (sorry friends), but it still isn’t easy! It all boils down to values and priorities, but that’s another conversation. Like I said, residency can be emotionally exhausting with all the charting, prior authorizations, certifications…oh yea and patient care!

 

Because of all the rules and regulations that forbid me from sharing patient information, I have to be careful about how I vent after a long day at work. However, this blog isn’t so much for venting as it is for highlighting some of the life lessons my patients have taught me!

This blog is for fellow healthcare providers, patients, family members, aspiring physicians, and anyone else who bothers to read it. That being said, let’s get to it!

Welcome to Midnight Medicine Musings (it’s a work in progress)!