I'm done with residency interviews.
It has been a long and tiring process and to be honest I didn't even have it that bad. Most people spend weeks going from hotel to hotel and program to program. They miss trains, deal with lost luggage, and end up sleeping in airports. Because of his job at the fire department, my husband and I are geographically limited for my residency search. Therefore it only made sense for me to interview at places within driving distance. I never paid for airfare, never got stuck in an airport, and never had to sleep on someone else's futon. I only stayed at a hotel for a couple nights. While some of my colleagues probably spent over $2000.00 on the interview trail, I spent a whopping $282.00.
Regardless, I'm tired.
I'm tired of wearing a suit when I will be wearing scrubs for the rest of my life.
I'm tired of small talk.
I'm tired of smiling and faking enthusiasm for every program even if I hate it.
I'm tired of asking questions for the sake of asking questions.
I'm tired of describing myself, voicing my strengths and weaknesses, and explaining why I chose emergency medicine.
I'm tired of awkward interview silences.
I'm tired of trudging through hospitals in uncomfortable heels.
I'm tired of pre-interview social events during which I nurse my one drink the entire evening as not to appear intoxicated but also not to appear a total prude.
I'm tired of listening to program directors recite the same statistics and describe the same thing at every program I visit.
I'm tired of sitting next to other applicants who hum "hmm mmm mmm" every three seconds.
I'm tired of trying to navigate my way through new cities and strange hospitals, all the while panicking that if I get lost I might be late.
I'm just plain tired and I'm so happy it's over.
Now comes the fun part - making a decision. No big deal, it's just the next 3-4 years of my life.
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On another note, I was given my very first blog award! Beckie over at He's Taken a Turn for the Nurse gave me the Versatile Blogger Award and I'm flattered. Definitely stop by her amazing blog and follow along with her adventures. Thank you, Beckie!
Now for the "rules" of this award:
1. Thank and link back to the person who gave you the award
2. Answer 10 questions
3. Pass it along to 7 blogs you've recently discovered and enjoy
4. Leave your recipients a note, telling them about the award
The 10 Questions...
1. Why did you create this blog?
I kept the knowledge of my husband's upcoming deployment a secret for several months. We told virtually no one for a long time. After I let people know, I realized that I was having trouble talking about it and sharing my emotions and feelings. This blog is cathartic. It allows me to vent, share, celebrate, and reflect. Most importantly, it has helped me find other military spouses with whom I can relate.
2. What kinds of blogs do you follow?
At this point, mostly military spouse blogs. I'd love to follow more blogs from medically oriented folks as well.
3. Favorite make-up brand?
To be honest, I'm not much of a make-up person. I buy whatever my friends tell me to buy and I don't really wear much of it on a daily basis.
4. Favorite clothing brand?
Banana Republic & Ann Taylor are my go-to stores right now (mostly because my day-time attire ends up being "professional clothes" if not scrubs).
5. Indispensable makeup product?
Mascara is the only thing I wear on a somewhat regular daily basis.
6. Favorite color?
Blue
7. Favorite perfume?
It bothers patients so I don't really wear it.
8. Favorite film?
I really like Juno
9. What country would you like to visit and why?
Greece because it seems like such an amazing and beautiful place.
10. Would you rather forget to put mascara on one eye or forget blush on one side of your face?
I suppose blush on one side of my face. I don't wear blush so it's not really much of an issue! Wait, I thought interviews were over!
Ok, here are my 7 Versatile Blogger Choices (no particular order):
1. Tangerine Monday
2. Stethoscopes and Dog Tags
3. My Goal Is Simple
4. Stackett
5. Oh! Apostrophe
6. Consider the Lilies
7. FallonElla's Almost Fairytale
The heels made me giggle. Hubby snarled every morning of his first two years of med school. They were required to "dress professionally" for classes...aka wear a shirt/tie/dress pants/dress shoes every day. Ask me how often he has worn that get-up in the last 7 years...not once!!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on being done! Sounds like yet another hoop that everyone has to jump through to get through to the end. Congrats also on your blog award (and thanks for passing it along!)... I love your blog already and you've just begun! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for the award! And oh my gosh, a totally congrats on being done with interviews. Best of luck with your decision. :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the interviews being done and good luck on the outcome. I didn't have to go through that ridiculousness but I do sympathize with you on the heels. Ugh. I hated wearing them for interviews or other things around the hospital. All I wanted was my scrubs and sneakers haha. Toddling around on heels and wearing a full suit just made me feel unnatural and uncomfortable--especialy when I interviewed in 105 degree heat in NC in July.
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