A Partial Exhale

Well, today is the CaRMS Application submissions deadline. I've submitted seventeen applications to my field of choice, spanning fourteen schools. Some of my colleagues have applied far more broadly, some far less; some are still wrapping up their applications, taking advantage of the final five or so hours we have to make edits. I'm waiting … Continue reading A Partial Exhale →

Just Five More Minutes

Those four clichéd words made up the only precise thought I had; my fuzzy brain attempting to gather its bearings wasn't behaving cohesively otherwise. I picked my phone up off the floor beside me to switch off my still-ringing alarm, replied to an early-morning message from my partner (and suggested that he leave at 8am … Continue reading Just Five More Minutes →

OSCEs

Hands up if performance evaluations are the bane of your existence? That's definitely my case. It's interesting, because I like performing on its own. Auditions? Not so much those - but I'm considerably less nervous when I'm standing on stage, where my objective is to enjoy whatever it is I'm presenting. Raise the stakes, however slightly, … Continue reading OSCEs →

Bucket Lists and Goal Setting

I recently came across a journal entry from 2010 or so - a life-planning entry of sorts. The fact that I was already talking about becoming a doctor at the time kind of surprised me, because I distinctly recall feeling lost as to what I'd do with my life until discovering MD/PhD programs in my … Continue reading Bucket Lists and Goal Setting →

On Abscesses

There’s a hole in my leg, long filled with granulation tissue - a small, circular scar. An area of my lower left leg began swelling one day; I noticed it in a bathroom stall at school. It was slightly warm and a little bit painful on palpation. By the time I got home, the swelling … Continue reading On Abscesses →

Minimalist Travel: European Spring Edition

Summer is here! Well, not officially, but we've been privy to some gorgeous weather and warm temperatures this side of the Atlantic. I'm about a third of the way through a trip through Germany, the Benelux region, and Iceland. So far, I've explored Bavaria from München, visited the Rhine and Black Forest from Frankfurt, and … Continue reading Minimalist Travel: European Spring Edition →

Thoughts on Interviews

Everyone will seem much more qualified than you are. They will also seem far more friendly, more expressive, more capable than you. Take a deep breath. You're here too. People will genuinely be amazing, kind, talented, funny, etc. They will also be just as nervous as you are. Lean into both of these things. Nerves … Continue reading Thoughts on Interviews →