6 weeks and 13 interviews later, residency “interview season” was complete. I talked to some wonderful people, heard about some fantastic programs, and set to work on making my rank list. For those of you unfamiliar with the process of becoming a physician, it’s complicated. I applied to MANY pediatric teaching hospitals across the country, and 13 of them liked my application enough to invite me to a face to face (well, on Zoom) interview day. By March I will submit a rank list, rating the programs from my top choice to last choice. At the same time, the residency programs select the applicants they want to join their next cohort. Then, by some algorithm called “The Match,” each applicant is (hopefully!) assigned a placement based on the preferences of the programs and the rank list. That’s my understanding of it anyway. I’ll open an envelope on March 17^th which will contain the location of my next three years of training. Slightly nerve wracking, right?

Anyway, I have some great choices, and for that I am very grateful. Interviewing was exhausting, and there is something to be said for “Zoom fatigue,” but I am excited to continue the process to FINALLY becoming an MD. Throughout the season I definitely got better at answering questions on the fly and talking about my experiences and academics. Several programs asked me what happened during my remediation (See “Failure is a Bruise, Not a Tattoo”), but I didn’t mind that. I was more stumped by the inevitable opening question: Tell me about yourself. What about me? I thought. I’m not all that exciting. But please pick me for your residency. Luckily, I’ve had some time to reflect. I didn’t say all of it to each interviewer, but there is a lot to know about me.

I am a big sister, a best friend, a teacher, a mentor.

I love country music, the NY Giants, and playing volleyball.

I am passionate, driven, and incredibly cognizant of what a privilege it is to be a physician.

I want to do the hard work expected from me, as it will allow me to make a difference in so many kids’ lives.

I am fortunate to be the product of a wonderful family that would move mountains for me.

I have an army of supporters cheering me on at every step in this seemingly never ending journey.

I’ve had some struggles, but I have never, ever given up on myself or my dream.

I have been a patient, and I am more empathetic because of it.

I didn’t always want to be a doctor, but I’m so glad I found my calling.

The truth is, there’s more to me than meets the eye from a piece of paper. I may not be at the top of my class, or have ten publications to my name, but I promise you, I’m going to make a damn good doctor. I’ve given all of my 20s to the pursuit of my career, and I eat, sleep and breathe medicine. I’ve made sacrifices in my life so that I will be able to improve the lives of others for the rest of my days (well, until I retire that is). However, I don’t want my career to define my life: in fact, it’s quite the opposite. I want my reputation as a physician to be defined by my character, my life experiences, my willingness to give back. I want families to say “I love my pediatrician, she actually listens, she’s down to earth, I trust her decision making.”  The greatest compliments I have gotten so far come from patients who tell me, “You make me feel comfortable, I trust you with my care.” So, if you want to hear about me, and why I would make a worthy resident physician, here’s what I have to say: I understand what an honor and a privilege it is to be privy to patients’ most intimate thoughts and symptoms, and to be trusted to care, truly care, about making them feel better. I have the opportunity to shape the physical and mental health of the next generation, and trust me, I won’t waste it.