Happy Monday, and welcome to Medical Mondays! I’m going to be talking about hopes and dreams today!
Some time ago, I read Dr. Pamela Wible’s book, Pet Goats & Pap Smears and wrote a review about it on Project Velociraptor (aka FM Student). (In case you’re new here, it’s a project that my friend Pixie and I launched to provide resources for medical students (particularly 3rd + 4th-years) interested in Family Medicine!)
Then this happened:
And then, while I was driving over to New Jersey to spend a weekend there before taking my boards, she called me.
Straight-up legit called me.
I’ve never considered myself to be particularly articulate when it comes to speaking (I think I’m a lot better at writing), but when I’m fan-girling and trying really hard not to, it gets even worse. (This is probably why, much as I’d love to, I probably shouldn’t ever meet Jensen Ackles.)
Maybe that was a sign, because where I was headed while I was talking with her about what I wanted to do in life was also where I matched for residency. While I maintain the west-coast-best-coast philosophy, I still think this was the best place I could have ended up for my residency and I’m super glad about that.
Dr. Wible is a huge advocate for physician wellness and speaks out about rising physician suicide rates (something no one likes to talk or hear about)–she did a TEDTalk on why doctors kill themselves.
These were my takeaway points from my conversation with her:
- Surround yourself with positive + inspiring people.
- Choose to be happy.
- Go after your dreams (far too many people give up on them).
- Build a community.
- Take care of your own well-being. (It’s important to take time for yourself!)
I hope I get to meet her someday–she seems like such an inspiring and awesome person! :]
![I came up with this design ages ago for our class t-shirt contest! :]](https://i0.wp.com/www.fairyburger.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/medicalmondays.jpg?resize=453%2C222&ssl=1)
- What’s something you dream of doing/accomplishing?
- What legacy do you want to leave?
- How do you want people to remember you?
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Yes!
After some of the reactions to my negative test this weekend, I am going to have to reorganize some of the people that I surround myself with… or at the very least have a talk with them. I need them to support my hopes and dreams a bit more… I don’t know the words at the moment, but gently would be the closest I can come to.
Susie @ Suzlyfe recently posted…Positives and Big Fat Negatives
That’d definitely be important, especially given the circumstances you’re in right now! I can’t imagine how difficult it must be–sending you lots of love and good thoughts! <3
Farrah recently posted…Ultimate Coffee Date: April 2017
I bet you will meet her one day!
You should be so very proud of yourself, Farrah! You keep rocking it and following your dreams <3
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…Carrot Cake Pancakes with Carrot Cream Frosting (Gluten-Free, Allergy-Free, Vegan)
It’d be super cool to get to met her! :] + thanks so much! I’m definitely going to try to!
Farrah recently posted…Ultimate Coffee Date: April 2017
How cooooolll!! I’m sure you will meet her!
Julie @ Running in a Skirt recently posted…St. Patrick’s Day – Weekend Photo Dump
It’d be so cool to! :D I’ve always wanted to visit Oregon! :P
Happy Medical Monday and Happy First Day of Spring Farrah :) Wow! I can’t believe Dr. Wible called you. I’m horrible on the phone also, happy to know I’m not the only one. I love these tips! Surrounding yourself with positive + inspiring people is a great one. My ex-boyfriend was ultra negative, it’s taking awhile to get over him but I am a much happier person now he’s not around every day, stealing my joy. I also like the tip of going after your dreams. Every day I do something that gets me closer to my dreams, it seems crazy to me but I have great support and I know I will reach and exceed them someday soon.
haha, I usually hate being on the phone! I’d rather talk in person or text–but with residency, phone calls are (unfortunately) definitely the norm. Sigh! She did give some really awesome tips though! Having a great support system whilst going after your dreams is so important! I’m really glad that you’re a lot happier now! <3
Farrah recently posted…Ultimate Coffee Date: April 2017
Oh wow, that’s awesome she actually called you and I love the advice she gave you. :)
ShootingStarsMag recently posted…Friday Favorites: Usborne Books, Beauty and the Beast, and More!
Me too! Definitely things to take to heart!
Farrah recently posted…Ultimate Coffee Date: April 2017
https://youtu.be/lGaneyDfyls
Of course it’s video game related. =p
Yay for pretty music! :D I’ve heard awesome things about Undertale!!
Farrah recently posted…Ultimate Coffee Date: April 2017
Very cool! As an East Coast native, I must ask what is this west is best nonsense??
hahaha, I’m definitely biased, but west coast will always be home/better to me! ;P
Farrah recently posted…Ultimate Coffee Date: April 2017
Goals? Well for now just acing any upcoming interviews for ’17-’18, landing some relevant positions where I directly interact with employees & patients,perhaps having my choice of health clinics in this city for gaining experience plus slaughtering any retakes or pulling mainly As.(Granted third year sensory processing was brutal AF but must be retaken otherwise the current CGPA will remain much lower then is desired).Also, landing in a lab on campus(it is rumored such may take at least 12 months for them to restart given most were shut down when the neuro building closed due to some stronghold move by our administration)finishing up the supervised independent study essay for final year, finding some decent affordable place to live downtown, continuing strength training, weight loss, dieting, remaining migraine free for at least another year & eventually having my pick of either medical schools or programs.
In the long run my main aim is surviving medical school, residency and having a private practice in either diagnostics,pathology,or family medicine. Giving up is just not a viable option anymore, seriously I owe too much in loans, have come quite a ways from college and starting undergrad.
As someone with an extensive background geared towards mental health the topic really needs to be addressed in any occupation(not just ignored & swept under the rug until someone has a melt down or goes psychotic)Reconditioning ourselves mentally, as well as physically can be critical to surviving in any situation. Mind you, stress is also a double edged sword.Beneficial for short periods but detrimental when prolonged influencing several physiological processes via inflammation