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1.5 Years

2010 proved to be a remarkable year for me. I’ve transformed from a former struggling medical student (constantly questioning my career choice with each brutal beating from complicated exams, all-nighters, and Attendings pimping me to the point of ridicule) into a now PGY-3 (Postgraduate year) making medical decisions on my own and witnessing the positive impact I can have on patients’ lives. And, after 1.5 years of living here, I can admit that Oregon is truly growing on me (which I never thought I’d say, but who wouldn’t appreciate smog-free skies, environmental-friendliness, genuinely friendly people, traffic-free roads, abundant green landscapes, etc). I’m thankful for the lessons learned in 2010 and can’t wait for the experiences to come in 2011. One and a half years of residency left to go!

December 30, 2010 4 comments

Psychiatry Travel

Vacation Time

written by freudandfashion

One thing I’ve mastered during residency is the timing of vacation and making the most of those few days of freedom. Four months without vacation is far too long, one month intervals is too soon, but a vacation every 2.5 months comes out to be just right. I’m at the point of yearning for some much-deserved time off, which I plan to spend soaking up sun to boost my Vitamin D and eating/shopping/partying in one of my favorite cities. My key to surviving residency incorporates a balance of combining work, relaxation, and fun, because the former can easily dominate over time, resulting in high anxiety, struggles to get up in the morning, a shorter temper, less sleep, and less people wanting to be around me.

November 1, 2010 0 comment

Psychiatry

Pill Pusher

written by freudandfashion

I have a simple theory that I like to follow when it comes to psychotropic meds: “Simple is Better.” Pretty straight-forward.

When I inherit a new patient with a list of meds the length of the Declaration of Independence AND they’re still depressed despite all the designer brand name drugs at their disposal, I don’t think it takes a medical degree to figure out that something’s not right.

Question 1: Question the diagnosis. Question 2: They’re still depressed—what the heck am I supposed to do about it?

Whereas most might seek comfort in adding yet another miracle drug to the list, I was inspired by one of my Attendings and made a goal to venture in the opposite direction of the less anxiety-provoking intervention and instead take a medication out (slowly, of course, before withdrawal throws them into a far worse state) and maximize the therapeutic benefit of a truly helpful medication at the same time.

And, the outcome? Well, it’s worked out in many of my patients thus far. Maybe my warmth and reassurance helps as well. Only thing I need now is the research to show it (my next residency venture).

Image via ramoscentral jpg

October 23, 2010 3 comments

Psychiatry

RFF: Residency Friends Forever

written by freudandfashion

Is it rare to have a class of residents who actually like each other and get along? When I moved away from home, the residents in my class were not just peers– they became my family. When one member leaves, you get hit with a sense of loss that affects you far more than you could’ve imagined. When more than one member leaves, you try even harder to keep your support system from falling apart even further, only to hope and find comfort in believing that life circumstances have led them to a better path. I’m fortunate to have formed wonderful friendships with amazing people over the course of one year, but will definitely last a lifetime. C’est la vie.

October 16, 2010 3 comments

Psychiatry

Almost There

written by freudandfashion

{as a not-so-stylish intern during a 30-hr night on-call}

Rough day today. Sometimes when I get a second to relax at work, I wonder where time has gone. Four years of college, one year of academic research, four years of medical school, four years of residency training — 13 years of life devoted to a career. Thirteen years of life spent accumulating knowledge and learning how to best care for others. Thirteen years of life spent possibly neglecting loved ones, events, activities, experiences, and myself. Balancing priorities in life is necessary, but definitely challenging. Anybody who has mastered the art of balancing priorities receives my respect. I’m slowly getting there…finally, after 11.25 years filled with sleepless nights, feelings of self-defeat, confidence-boosters, and affirmation that sacrifice is worth achieving the ultimate goal. One year and eight months left until freedom.

September 30, 2010 4 comments

Fashion Psychiatry Travel

5 Ways to Look Older

written by freudandfashion

{yummy Spanish latte at Urth Caffe, Beverly Hills}

1. Wear black.

2. Be around a group of friends who look at least 5 years older than you.

3. Wear professional clothing.

4. Pile on the makeup (especially foundation and smokey eye shadow).

5. Listen to NPR to stay up-to-date with current events talk (and not so much on the latest celebrity gossip & what’s hot on the fashion runways).

For my birthday, I contemplated cutting my hair short, dyeing it black, and wearing a professional black outfit in attempt to look closer to my age. I can say with confidence that I look at least 20 yrs old. For the longest time, I got offended each time someone looked shocked that I was a doctor, every time someone told me I look like I just graduated from high school, each time I was asked if I was a nurse despite wearing my lengthy white coat. In general, I get commented on how young I look almost every other day. On my way to celebrate in Los Angeles this weekend, I was carded at the wine bar in the Portland Airport, then carded the following day at Pizzeria Mozza in West Hollywood. Yet, after my birthday, I had an epiphany. This time around, I wasn’t so bothered…if anything, I fully embraced the fact that I look younger for my age and profession. In fact, if I’m still carded at the age of 40, I’ll consider it a major compliment (and a genetic accomplishment).

Tip of the Day: Embrace who you are. If you change aspects of yourself, do it for your own happiness, and not for the sake of convincing others of the type of person you’re expected to be.

May 31, 2010 0 comment

Psychiatry therapy

Analyze This

written by freudandfashion

Everyone has something they’re thankful for. I spent the week struggling to help patients find the tiniest glimmer of hope…a reason worth living even when death seemed like the only option. Medical school doesn’t teach you the art of psychotherapy, so I found myself extremely overwhelmed compared to times when I cared for patients experiencing a heart attack or stroke. But, after a tough yet rewarding week of analyzing my patients’ lives, I realize I have to analyze myself. I need to acknowledge my own fears and unresolved issues (otherwise, it may interfere with my patients’ therapy), which can be a scary thing for anyone. No wonder so many mental health professionals have their own therapist. Cheers to a relaxing weekend of self-reflection!

March 20, 2010 5 comments

Psychiatry therapy Travel

Family First

written by freudandfashion

No matter how bitchy, snappy, stressed, and irritable I can get as result of the often brutal, mental, and physical demands of residency, the one thing I can always count on is family. Doctors dedicate their lives to caring for others that sometimes work takes priority over family, friends, and our own well-being. I’ve missed fabulous weddings, warm holiday gatherings, inspirational graduations, and lovely funerals, to name a few sacrifices made for the sake of my occupation. Instead of regret, my advice to anyone so heavily immersed in work is to take a moment and remember what’s most important in their lives. For me, I choose family. So as I pack for a last minute trip to the Philippines, I recall the memory of my role model and the reason I became a doctor, my grandfather. And during the 14-hour flight tomorrow, I’ll anticipate a long overdue reunion with my grandmother, which has thus far been postponed as a result of work. No more guilt…no more regrets.

My favorite picture of my beloved grandfather

My beautiful grandmother

February 27, 2010 3 comments

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