Words of Encouragement

Running towards the finish line, this blog post comes as the 200th, a point that seemed so far away when I hit 100 and even farther when I started writing here. As medical school comes to an end, it seems there are many things to celebrate among board exams, graduation, residency placement, friendship and family.

Fatherly Thoughts

Like a cheer from the sidelines, my father recently wrote me:

I am reminded that you are at a point in your career akin to that moment when a roller coaster crests on its ponderous first climb -- a tipping point with amazing views; where the 360 degree view is the best and breathtaking. For once, maybe only once, you find yourself at a vista point looking behind you (if you have that clarity of mind and the inclination), but especially checking out with breathless heart-pounding anticipation what's about to come. Stretched before you is a winding and precarious-looking path. You can't see it all or how it resolves itself, but you comfort yourself knowing that people survive it every day.

It's a rare defining moment where the natural course of gravity grabs the baton from a methodical and clacking power that lifts you ponderously. Gradual. Ploddingly precise. Unaffected in its destiny, but tension-inducing nonetheless. Then, in the next heartbeat, it happens. Kinetic energy takes over with free abandon with its all too familiar "here we gooooooo" careening dive. You're on a course zooming into the still-unknown hope, happiness and fulfillment on a ride that is sure to thrill and keep you on the edge of your seat.

Buckle up. Be proud. Take in the fleeting moments. Don't forget to breathe. Don't forget to cheer. Don't ever doubt that you are on the right track. And keep coming back for more of what thrills you.

It's interesting to explore the extent of the memories of your program and the interviews. For me the beginning of it all when you were young and had an eye on a frog. Heck! The entire run of you growing up and becoming Dr. Batt.

Thanks for being there for me and the family, for being the person you are and especially for the hundreds and even thousands of people who you will uplift, comfort and heal in the future.
 
Thank you, Dad.

Question of the Week

A 54 year old male was hospitalized for a pneumonia and placed on broad-spectrum antibiotics for 14 days. Subsequently, he developed diarrhea, fever, and crampy abdominal pain. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Diverticulitis
B. Colon cancer
C. Melanosis coli
D. Pseudomembranous colitis
E. Familial polyposis syndrome

Answer & Explanation