On the first day of my clinical rotations, the pockets of my white coat were stuffed. A myriad of pens, papers, a penlight, reflex hammer, several bandages and of course, my beloved stethoscope, overflowed from all compartments. As the weeks, months, and years went on, the physical baggage I lugged around became more sparse, and eventually I ditched the white coat altogether in favor of scrubs. At the same time, the weight of what I carried did not decrease; in fact, it was quite the opposite. As I gained more seniority, I felt more acutely the weight of the intangible things that accompany a career in medicine:

The responsibility to provide the best care possible, to patients from all walks of life.

The duty to be a lifelong learner and patient advocate, in the ever changing medical landscape.

The need to perform under pressure, when lives hang in the balance.

The sacrifices I have made in my own life, to be able to improve the lives of others.

Medicine is not for the faint of heart, and you must be strong to balance all of this on your shoulders every day. However, not everything you carry is heavy. Some things you cling to on bad days, like a swimmer to a life raft.  Some things you carry because they make you feel strong. Some things you never put down because they are woven into your very being. You won’t always find them in my scrub pockets, but I promise you I have these things with me at all times. Every day as a physician, and more importantly, as a person, I carry:

The hope that I can use my talents to make a difference, and that my hard work will save lives one day.

The inspiration gleaned from physicians who came before me, who exemplified excellence and paved the way for me to make my dreams possible.

The trust in medical research, and the advances being made every day that will change futures.

The support of family, friends and colleagues, who continue to lift me up when the days get long and the journey gets hard.

The belief that healthcare is a human right, and the drive to ensure this belief becomes a reality worldwide.

Yes, my job is hard, but it is also amazing. I love it, I have fought for it, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I know that as long as I am a doctor, my hands, my head, and my heart will be so full.