The Skinny on Obesity (playlist)

Sugar: The Bitter Truth

Great Things

"It has been a pleasure sharing the journey through med school with you, and I know that you will go on to do great things..."

Such a simple statement from my friend Ruth and yet, it meant so much to me.

From where I stand right now, I can't see what's ahead of me. I certainly can't see any "great things".

And yet, something about her statement alludes to the potential of great things to come. Something in her statement gives me hope.

I suppose the lesson here then is, never underestimate the power of a few sincere, well-chosen, kind words.

The Morning After...

As we were driving through this little town where I will be starting my first 20 weeks of internship next year, I looked around at the towns people walking about and thought... These are my patients.

It's the most awesome thing. It's finally happened and I'm finally here.

Sure, I'm still learning. And as a doctor, I always will be.

But this will be where all the magic happens. This town... These people... They will be my first adventure.

And you know what?

I can't wait to get to know them all.

The Night Before...

Through the trusty rectrospectoscope, my final year of medical school is looking more than a little bit blurry.

However, amidst the chaos and confusion, I've managed to retain a few solid gold principles which I hope will take me through my internship year.

1. Take ownership of all that you do - it'll help you feel like you know what you're doing, even when you're still trying to figure it out

2. Everyone started out somewhere - So when you feel like you're at the bottom, rest assured that the only way left to go is up

3. Be safe, seek clarification, and ask for help

4. Everyone, even The Legendary Professor John Murtagh, feels nervous - Conquer your fears through rationalisation and by managing your expectations

5. Keep on learning, listening, trying, and believing in yourself - A little perseverance goes a long, long way

My father once told me, "Picture a cat. Toss it out a window, and it lands on its feet - despite never having to anticipate being thrown out of a window."

If there is one thing that I'd like to learn before the start of next year, it's the art of Resilience.

But then again, I'm still here. I'm still standing.

Perhaps that's a start.