Letter To My Intern Self
Staring out at the long and intimidating journey called residency, I know you’re wondering if you’ll ever make it to the other side. It’s natural to be nervous. You’ll be okay. There are a thousand challenges ahead, but you’ll make it. I know that because I’m you, many years from now, and we did make it after all. And I wanted to tell you this because when I was in your shoes, I wished someone had.
This isn’t the first time you weren’t sure whether you could make it past something. Remember the night before starting medical school? Or the night before you immigrated to this country, uncertain of how everything would unfold? Our whole lives, when up against something seemingly insurmountable, we wondered if we could overcome it.
Each time, we got through it somehow, and you will get through it this time, too. In truth, you don’t need me to tell you that from the perspective of your future life. Deep inside, you already know.
But if I could also tell you some things that only your future self would know, it’s this.
1. Don’t be overly certain that you know exactly what you want in your career and your life.
I know you like to have a plan for everything, and think you possess above-average self-awareness. But you have yet to experience the moments that will completely level your assumptions and overturn your perspective. And you’ll never have these moments unless you leave yourself open to being deeply moved by the people and ideas you don’t yet realize are missing in your life.
So, don’t be so strict and rigid with yourself.
2. It’s always about the people
I know that from your perspective, medicine can seem like it’s mainly about science, and the pursuit of knowledge, and skills. While true in some ways, you will soon learn that the most rewarding—and challenging—parts of this profession have been, and will always be, about the people you encounter.
As you become more knowledgeable and skillful, as you collect more titles and awards, you may be tempted to believe that they set you apart from others.
But don’t forget – knowledge and skills are only meaningful insofar as their ability to serve you in the care of people.
3. Reflect constantly and adjust
I know that you’ll be busier than you have ever been before. But the more strained you feel, the harder you should strive to make time for reflection and self care, and to connect with the people and the activities that make you whole.
Constantly ask yourself who you are and who you want to be. Say no to things that do not align with those values.
Many things you think you have to do to survive are not actually essential to your survival.
Many things you have been told are required, it turns out, are just recommendations at best.
Most importantly, this feeling that you have at the onset of training – the palpable excitement and the nervousness – hold on to them with everything you have. You feel because you care.
You have an exciting journey ahead of you. Now get some rest!
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Jason J. Han is a cardiac surgery resident who talks about his work plainly and openly.
The opinions expressed in the article are not affiliated with any institution, company or product. The article should not be interpreted as medical advice.