“For last year’s words belong to last year’s language. And next year’s words await another voice.”
T.S. Eliot
The end of the year is often a time of reflection. It allows us to see where we have been, where we are going and set goals for the year ahead. This year has certainly been an eventful one. I started this blog, presented my research at a national meeting for the first time, began my clinical rotations, decided on a specialty and published my first manuscript. I also attended my 5 year college reunion and have thoroughly enjoyed watching my nephew grow into a sweet, sassy and incredibly bright toddler. In the next year, I will be applying to residency, attending interviews and determining where I want to spend the next four years of my life. As much as I’ve grown over the past year, there’s always room for improvement. Since a new year is as good a time as any to start something new, I’ve set several goals for myself in 2020.
Read
I love to read and have been a bookworm ever since I can remember. After a long day, it can be hard to stop and take time to read, whether for studying or especially for fun. The guilt of not spending free time studying is real everybody. I just finished The Chronicles of Women in White Coats yesterday, which was one of the first new books I’ve read in a long time. This year, I want to make a point of making time to read something fun as well as something relating to my patients every day. Any suggestions are most welcome!
Make Time for Music
There’s a reason why they call music a universal language. Nothing puts me in a better mood than great music. I miss singing in choir something fierce. There is something magical about being surrounded by friends and working together to create something beautiful. Whatever happened earlier that day just melts away as you become enveloped by each verse. I always leave feeling better than I arrived. Joining an outside choir might be a bit ambitious at the moment, but I definitely want to commit to making rehearsals with my acapella group more regularly this year. I also want to try and perform more. It would be fun to sing at the hospital, even if it’s once a block.
Keep Writing
I realized this year how much I enjoy writing. In some ways keeping a blog has been therapeutic and helps me process what I’ve been experiencing on the wards. Also, taking the time to reflect helps me see lessons I might not have picked up on otherwise. I want to make sure to keep up with blogging throughout the next year. I’m sure I’ll have plenty of stories from the remainder of my rotations and eventually the interview trail to keep me busy for a while. Maybe I’ll even put together a book one day. Now that my manuscript has been published, it’s time for a new research challenge. I’ve got a new project in the works and am excited to start collecting data. Ideally, once I have some results, I’d love to get back to a conference this year. It’s so cool to see what new things people are doing and they’re an excellent networking opportunity.
Move More
With the busyness of rotations, I’m the first to admit that it’s easy for exercise to fall by the wayside. I miss having my sister’s team fitness class to keep me accountable. Having that appointment three days a week where all I was doing was exercising was so helpful. I need to do a better job of fitting gym time into my routine this semester. If I don’t practice what I recommend, how can I expect my patients to listen to what I have to say. I always feel better when I exercise regularly. It just takes time to get back into the habit. It’s only going to get harder once I get to residency, so might as well start now.
I have one more week at home before I begin the new year with my Family Medicine rotation. It’s been so nice to catch up with friends and family and recharge. I hope everyone had a restful holiday and I wish everyone the best in the year to come.
The Music of Medicine 