Dear Me in 10 Years…

A young couple looking at their newborn child with teary eyes…

An elderly man touching his wife’s gray hair and talk to her after knowing that she got a cerebral infarction…

A mother visiting her daughter after being informed that the daughter got an ovarian cancer…

Remember those scenes? 

They might become blurry, but remember how you felt? 

I hope you can still remember the feeling at that time. 

I hope you can maintain your empathy and strive for the patients, whose fate rely on you. 

I hope you can fight back the hard day at work and can still smile at them. 

I hope you try to understand where they are coming from and respond to them calmly and professionally. 

One more thing… 

Remember how anything was new, exciting and frightening for you? 

Remember that you had to ask everyone about everything? 

I think you may be able to. Well, perhaps you are in that state, just for different problems. 

If so, stay curious, and do not afraid to ask. 

Of course, before asking, do not forget to consider about the time, people, and place.

Also, be patient and kind toward those who are still inexperienced.

Remember to encourage them to ask and to show their opinions. Do not be hash and make them feel ashamed of their answers, but do teach them. You do not want to become the kind of mentor/senior you do not like, right?

Dear me in 10 years…

I hope you can still be yourself when things become difficult for you… 

Sincerely, 

First-Year Resident POV