Four years a doctor

Today marks four years a doctor. Four years ago I graduated medical school from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. I had a brand new baby boy, that I was still getting used to. I had my parents with me, and I had no idea what the future was going to hold. I didn't know what I was going to do with the rest of my life.

I did family medicine residency because I had to scramble into it. I honestly wanted to be an OB-GYN initially because I find pregnancy so fascinating. I did not want to be a family doctor at first. However, I learned so much in those years. I learned about taking care of children, about taking care of pregnant patients, and all ages. Not all of the training has been fun. The long hours, the many memories missed from children, the stress, and not knowing if I'm doing things properly, that all was very hard. But, it was so worth it. I have learned so many lessons from each person I interacted with.

There are many memories, both good and bad, that I will always remember. Telling a patient that they have cancer and I'm not sure they have left to live. Delivering babies and meeting many family members in the process. Having to take care of mothers as they deliver babies who have not made it. Doing procedures to remove skin lesions, with and without anesthesia. Watching children grow through the years. Having some of my beloved patients die, after they have struggled. 

Today, on the beginning of my fifth year of being a doctor, I had an interesting day. I removed a cyst off of a patient's ear without anesthesia, because they didn't want anesthesia. I did so many paps, which used to be difficult, and now are like my bread and butter. I got to see babies, and take care of them. I was able to perform procedures for fun. I was able to do OMT and see immediate improvement in a patient's pain. I had my MA and front staff take care of me to keep me safe in various patient scenarios. I have learned that my girls have my back whatever occurs. I had not expected to have that camaraderie this early on. I am also running a clinic, which has been both the most stressful and the most rewarding experience ever. I have never learned so much in such a short period of time. 

I am very thankful that I am a doctor. I truly believe that this is what I was meant to do. Most days, I love my job. This doesn't mean that it's always easy, or always fun, but most days I am able to leave feeling satisfied. I hope that I will continue to grow and have fun for the years to come.