What an exhilarating time the last few months have been. *WHEW* I was on the interview trail from early November through the first day of FEBRUARY. *YIKES* But the good news is, my interviews paid off, and I successfully matched into my #1 choice for residency. For the next 5 years, I will be a resident of Arizona, completing a 5-year combined residency and fellowship program to become a Pediatric Neurologist. *YAY* My first 2 years will be general pediatrics (at Phoenix Children's Hospital); year 3 will be adult neurology (at St. Joseph's); and years 4-5 will be pediatric neurology (back at Phoenix Children's Hospital).
(The title of this post is for my "happy" song by OneRepublic, titled 'The Good Life')
During the month of February, I stayed with my Aunt, Uncle and Cousin in Phoenix. While there, I completed a rotation at the Phoenix Children's Hospital, with the pediatric neurology team. I was instantly in love with the place for so many reasons. In 2 weeks of inpatient, I saw more diverse cases than I had the chance to see in Detroit. My assumption as to why, is that I was exposed to many more cultures out there, it is very different demographically. I learned about neurological diseases that are more prevalent to the Hispanic peoples, and Navajo nation. I had a chance to learn about Indian reservations, and how their own tribal courts and healthcare systems function. I even re-learned a lot of Spanish! I still was unable to speak it very well, but NO PROBLEM!! The fact that there are so many Spanish-speaking families made LIVE interpreters much more accessible in the hospital and clinic there. But by the end of the month, I found myself understanding the language fairly well (for not having been exposed to Spanish regularly since 2004).
Aside from the new cultures, and my learning experience there, I fell in love with Phoenix and it's people. Overall, that part of the country tries to lead a much healthier life. There is more access to vegetarian eating options (which are still flavorful!), and I enjoyed spending time hiking outdoors. Somehow, daily sunshine, and being around mountains was just what I needed. I hadn't been so active in years! It is just more exhilarating being able to take a scenic hike up and down mountains, than it is to walk on flat ground in Michigan (or on a treadmill in the gym). My body simply felt better -- and I can already feel the difference after being back in the mitten for the past few weeks. I'm already struggling to make it to the gym in this cold. Plus, no snow?! Phoenix might be heaven during the winter season.
However, this is all bittersweet. I know my 5-year program will not be the same as a 1 month visit. I am leaving behind the world's most dedicated parents, my closest friends, and I will also be farther than ever from my brother. It will be my first time living outside of Michigan, farther than a 1 hour drive home. Seeing my family will require more advanced planning. Through medical school, especially this final year, it has been so easy to make a last minute decision to drive home -- I know I will miss that.
This was something I felt I had to do for my career, my personal growth, and I hope it pays off in the long run. The decisions I have to make these next few months are stacking up, and nervewracking. I will need to make decisions about my car, make sure I have doctors I can see in that area, and learn details about housing that I have never had to think about before.
It's all a part of growing up, and learning to be a little more independent. God has allowed me to match across the country, simply because He knows I can make it through these obstacles, and become a better person through it all. It has been, and will continue to be, A GOOD LIFE. <3
Thank you to my parents for supporting me through this decision. I am sure I will cry at times, and be terribly homesick... but you are my greatest strength and inspiration. If you both could make the move across Asia, Europe, and into North America -- crossing the ocean into a new culture -- then with your love I can do this.
-----
(The title of this post is for my "happy" song by OneRepublic, titled 'The Good Life')
During the month of February, I stayed with my Aunt, Uncle and Cousin in Phoenix. While there, I completed a rotation at the Phoenix Children's Hospital, with the pediatric neurology team. I was instantly in love with the place for so many reasons. In 2 weeks of inpatient, I saw more diverse cases than I had the chance to see in Detroit. My assumption as to why, is that I was exposed to many more cultures out there, it is very different demographically. I learned about neurological diseases that are more prevalent to the Hispanic peoples, and Navajo nation. I had a chance to learn about Indian reservations, and how their own tribal courts and healthcare systems function. I even re-learned a lot of Spanish! I still was unable to speak it very well, but NO PROBLEM!! The fact that there are so many Spanish-speaking families made LIVE interpreters much more accessible in the hospital and clinic there. But by the end of the month, I found myself understanding the language fairly well (for not having been exposed to Spanish regularly since 2004).
Aside from the new cultures, and my learning experience there, I fell in love with Phoenix and it's people. Overall, that part of the country tries to lead a much healthier life. There is more access to vegetarian eating options (which are still flavorful!), and I enjoyed spending time hiking outdoors. Somehow, daily sunshine, and being around mountains was just what I needed. I hadn't been so active in years! It is just more exhilarating being able to take a scenic hike up and down mountains, than it is to walk on flat ground in Michigan (or on a treadmill in the gym). My body simply felt better -- and I can already feel the difference after being back in the mitten for the past few weeks. I'm already struggling to make it to the gym in this cold. Plus, no snow?! Phoenix might be heaven during the winter season.
However, this is all bittersweet. I know my 5-year program will not be the same as a 1 month visit. I am leaving behind the world's most dedicated parents, my closest friends, and I will also be farther than ever from my brother. It will be my first time living outside of Michigan, farther than a 1 hour drive home. Seeing my family will require more advanced planning. Through medical school, especially this final year, it has been so easy to make a last minute decision to drive home -- I know I will miss that.
This was something I felt I had to do for my career, my personal growth, and I hope it pays off in the long run. The decisions I have to make these next few months are stacking up, and nervewracking. I will need to make decisions about my car, make sure I have doctors I can see in that area, and learn details about housing that I have never had to think about before.
It's all a part of growing up, and learning to be a little more independent. God has allowed me to match across the country, simply because He knows I can make it through these obstacles, and become a better person through it all. It has been, and will continue to be, A GOOD LIFE. <3
Thank you to my parents for supporting me through this decision. I am sure I will cry at times, and be terribly homesick... but you are my greatest strength and inspiration. If you both could make the move across Asia, Europe, and into North America -- crossing the ocean into a new culture -- then with your love I can do this.
-----
[Panoramic view of Phoenix from Thunderbird Mountain.]
[With my beautiful cousin and her dog, Nala; during our hike up Mormon Trailhead, one of many trails at South Mountain.]
[Just seconds away from opening the envelope, which sealed my fate for the next 5 years!]
[With my parents, who I adore. I am glad they were able to be present for the biggest day of my life.]
[Friends since undergrad. We both matched at our first-choice programs. This was taken after we cried happy tears; and exchanged hugs with our families, and friends at nearby tables.]
[Celebrating the evening with my wonderful roommate!]
