A longtime reader (and by longtime reader, I mean my mother) of this blog recently commented to me that I haven’t been writing here very much as of late.

As a blogger, I suppose it is good to know that your absence is missed — even if that absence is noted by your mother.

My last post was published prior to this academic year ending. I was wrapping up my year as a Chief Resident. It truly was a good year. I felt that I learned a lot and developed not only as a clinician but an educator and (dare I say it) administrator too.

Am I still here? Do I still exist? Well the answer is yes, obviously. I have been left in the post residency… afterglow? Is it even appropriate to call it that?

Though I did round as the attending physician during my chief residency, those stints were scattered here and there. Now, however, that is life. I’m no longer involved in the inner workings of residency administration. And that’s ok. It’s time to move on. The new chiefs have taken over that baton beautifully.

But it does sort of force you to redefine your life. Because for so long life has been about training and learning and education and answering to a program director.

Sure, I still have a boss and a department chair. But there is a much more autonomous feel to it now.

I’ve taken up some leadership positions. I’m trying to get involved with our institution in ways I feel I can contribute positively. I’m working with residents and medical students. Overall, though, I feel that the path is now less defined and it’s up to myself to figue out where I’m going to point this ship.

That’s an exciting, scary, and daunting idea.

But this journey goes on.