Today I started thinking about what happens when I return from the honeymoon. What are the most important things to focus on this year? I want to give a lot of thought to my future career and my professional identity. As a doctor, one can travel many paths: clinical care, education, research, administration. It's hard to do everything, and it's impossible to do everything well. My mentor and I had a conversation about this. Her take was that at some point, you just have to accept that with all the things you do, you will do none of them at your absolute full capacity. While that is true, I don't think it follows that you should overextend yourself to the point where you feel you are doing a mediocre job of everything. So this year is about career discernment. How do I want to make an impact in the world? How can I be of most use? What path will give me the most fulfillment?
The other concern is practice. Often, something just isn't going to be fun or interesting until you have devoted enough time to becoming good at it. I'm 26 now, and one important question comes to mind: how long am I going to spend being a beginner at many things, as opposed to advancing in a few chosen areas? So this year is also for taking stock of the skills and talents I have and capitalizing on them, rather than trying everything on for size. I'm getting impatient with not knowing anything about anything. Also, if you are a beginner you end up taking a lot of help and not giving very much back.
One of the lessons I think America can learn from the UK is that of encouraging vocations in young adults. I think many 16 or 17 year olds do know what kind of work suits them. The trouble in the States is that our indecision is encouraged, even applauded. We do four years of college. Then I did four years of masters/MD, with one research year and one additional clinical year still to go. But the choices that once felt so freeing are beginning to drag me down. I want to define myself further, not open even more doors and then stand before them all saying, "Look at all the things I might do!" Which is why this year is important.
All of this said, I have compiled a checklist of things I want to focus on this year. Hopefully, I will look back at this next May and have a tangible record of whether I met my goal.
2011-2012 Checklist:
1. Work on my work ethic.
2. Submit my thesis work to a journal for publication.
3. Finish a cohesive research project at the lab this year.
4. Decide my top two specialty choices and arrange electives accordingly.
5. Find a non-academic activity to channel my creative energies.
6. Develop good study habits and practice with my licensing exams!
7. Make time for friends and home life.
Even when plans don't work out, isn't it fun to plan? I almost feel like anticipation is half the fun! Hmmm. I don't know if that applies to a honeymoon. Anyhow, until next time!
Good luck B!!!
ReplyDeleteI remember when I was in college, a lot of the time I felt like - well, everyone says you can be anything you want. Maybe true, but no one tells you you have to pick! I am definitely feeling that need to settle into something, too!
The obituary you wrote on your professor's death was touching and poignant.
ReplyDeleteThe latest entry is also well written. I think:
a) refocusing your research/study planning is a good thing,b)I'm always reminded how accomplished you are as a person and a student, not just a nerd with limited interests,c) all of your education has been broad based, and will serve you well in the long run as a well roundd medical professional who'll make significant contributions to society, and d) given modern medicine, healthcare and healthy living styles, today's 26 is like the 21 of two decades ago.. I think there's a "new normal" in terms of people investing more time in education/professional training as opposed to rushing to the job market (as , for example, I had to do at 21). Good luck and best wishes..The power of positive thinking beats all...
Thanks for the comments, both of you! Che, I totally feel that is the case -- that although colleges tend to talk it down, having direction gives you a sense of purpose and the drive to get through the difficult stuff as you go toward the goal. As more of us derive our identities from what we do and our area of career interest, I think it's more important to decide and make a home for yourself in a field than to be sure you have explored every possible option out there.
ReplyDeleteI think Ambi also has a point in that it is a privilege to be able to wait until young adulthood to differentiate, so to speak. For myself, I find it easier to think positive when I'm aiming for something specific, but painting one's own history in an optimistic (but also realistic) light also helps make the future goal seem within reach.