- Joined
- Mar 14, 2013
- Messages
- 64
- Reaction score
- 2
I think the answer depends largely on when you ask. Right now for instance, it's 3:30 am and because I have boards in a few days I'll be in Uworld for probably two more hours before getting the requisite three hours of sleep. If I recycle all of these monster cans, I could probably pay off my debt. I've only seen my wife and kids passing in the hallway for the last month or so, and I haven't shaved in so long that every time I come out of the basement someone thinks they've finally found Bigfoot. Exams are a cruel mistress, and they don't give a damn about dance recitals or birthdays or my SEVERE ethanol deficiency. So this week? Not so much, and there are many weeks like this, and always will be.
Having said that, the moments that shine in this racket are beyond that of most any other discipline. We get to perform well child physicals on underprivileged kids who have conditions that would otherwise go untreated. We see people at their most frightened and vulnerable and get to be the ones who are trusted to allay those fears. I went to a village in South America last year and on a mountain with no electricity or running water treated hundreds of parasitic infections, infected wounds, vitamin deficiencies, and many other conditions. As we drove out of the village the mayor stopped our convoy with many of the mountain's residents behind him and presented us with the highest form of currency he knew, a six and a half foot arm of bananas cultivated on his own soil. These experiences are extremely powerful, and you'd never get them as an architect or petroleum engineer. I dont think I could choose any other life. Plus, we look pretty cool in scrubs.
Agreed, it is largelt in whom you speak with. Generally just trying to get a sense of the reality of it all from perspectives deriving from beginning to end. So far, quite an interesting and welcoming array of views. I am sure that the lack of interaction with your family has been straining; something I ought to be cognisent of but am not looking forward to in the least. As others have touched on, keeping a big picture perspective seems key in the many disenchanting moments. At least having a supportive spouse ought to provide some significance as a cornerstone.
Your South American story is amazing. What a grandly unique and personal experience. Brava. Certainly of the similar faculty of serving underpriviledged and disenfranchised people. The scrubs are a definite bonus, ha.