Hey everyone, it’s Medicine Mondays again. Today is just a short post to ponder “September“.

September?

While it may not seem like that important of a month in the general sense, I think it has a great deal of importance for people still in school and/or training. September kind of marks the beginning of the academic year — at least it did for me. However, my daughter started her kindergarten journey a little earlier, in August.

Anyways, September for Medicine is when the interns kind of have a handle on what is expected of them. The 2nd year and more senior residents have settled into their jobs as “the more experienced residents”. In general, this is when things start to become more like clockwork, in comparison to the chaos that surrounds July/August.

However, I must remind everyone that this is all just the beginning of their journeys. The Dunning-Kruger effect occurs at all levels of training, try to be cognizant of it.

Give yourself a break

It’s September and it’s most likely been a tough July/August. I think it’s a good idea to sit down and look back at how far you’ve come in just a few short months. Then zoom out and think back when you were in medical school with the USMLE and ERAS looming over your head. Now, really zoom out and think back to when you were a little kid trying to decide what you wanted to be when you “grow up”.

I think the 5 year old you would be in awe of you. Be proud of where you are and where you came from. Every doctor has their own story.

TL;DR

July/August were probably rough.

It’s mid-September and things should be getting better now.

Give yourself a break.

I think the 5 year old you would be in awe of you.

-Sensei

Agree? Disagree? Questions, Comments and Suggestions are welcome.

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