An Excellent Question

I recently read a NYT piece called, "Why Would Anyone Choose to Become a Doctor?" by Dr. Danielle Ofri. It's a sweet essay written by a physician who describes being perplexed by the large number of medical school applicants yearly, considering her profession's numerous annoyances.

As the author considers alternatives to her career, however, she comes to the conclusion that her clinical encounters make it all worthwhile. The essay is a nice pick-me-up.

Interview Tips from an Entrepreneur

This article is currently at the top of the New York Times' most emailed list. It's written for those entering the work force, but it is very pertinent for applicants to medical school, residency, fellowship, and post bacc programs.

I hope everyone has a happy holiday season!

A Daring Journey Into Medical Anthropology

A few weeks ago, I recommended reading This is a Soul: The Mission of Rick Hodes, and today I want to highlight another must-read for the physician or doctor-to-be. The Spirit Catches you and You Fall Down was published in 1997 and promptly won the National Book Critics Circle Award for Nonfiction, among other accolades.

The book chronicles the U.S. medical experience of a Hmong family, showcasing the twisted miscommunications between the two groups. It's an excellent story and strong reminder to all medical caregivers as to how - although everyone may be aiming for the patient's best - cultural differences can spoil the doctor-patient relationship.

Happiness: Be All That You Can Be

Medical school and residency training usually decrease one's happiness for several reasons. Happiness researchers have demonstrated that a feeling of control and the amount of spare time one has both correlate with happiness. Both of those factors are limited during med school and residency. Relationships are also correlated with happiness, and those can be squashed during medical training as well.

I'm not trying to be a downer here! I want to encourage applicants to consider this happiness quotient when selecting an institution and training program. If you are able, maximizing your contentment by choosing an institution that fosters your greatest happiness is key. Geography; proximity to family, friends and community; and a location that provides an opportunity to enjoy hobbies during limited free time is significant.

Excellent training is important, but, in the end, many programs turn out equally qualified clinicians. At least consider your well-being as a factor in selecting where you might be for the next three plus years of your life.

This Is a Soul

I wanted to put in a plug for a book I'm reading called, "This is a Soul: The Mission of Rick Hodes" by Marilyn Berger. The book chronicles the work of Dr. Hodes, an American doctor who has lived in Ethiopia for over three decades assisting children with horribly severe - oftentimes lethal - spinal problems (frequently tuberculosis-related). Dr. Hodes himself has adopted several sick Ethiopian children.

During his emergency medicine training, my husband worked with Dr. Hodes and was tremendously impressed with his dedication. Here is more information about Rick Hodes and the work he does.