It has begun.

On June 30 I officially ended my Internal Medicine Residency. Well, maybe I should say that I completed it.

On July 1 I walked up to my brand new office. As I stood in front of my door, with key in hand, I read the new nameplate on the door. It was awkward.

Residency ended without much fanfare or closure. My program, for whatever reason, does not have a “graduation” ceremony. They did have a “graduation banquet” in May but I was on a pre-planned family vacation during that time. Maybe that’s why I felt like I lacked any real resolution to the residency phase of life.

So far there has been anxiety, confusion, frustration, and fatigue. I’m hopeful that the year will be one of professional and personal growth. I just hope that the growth does not require much pain.

On July 1 I attended the mandatory “new hire” orientation. After completing all required paperwork, I went to HR to pick up my new ID badge. As I already had a picture on file, I just waited in the lobby for them to bring out the new badge. After what seemed like 20 minutes, someone came out to deliver it. Instead of “Resident Physician” under my name, it now said “Attending Physician.”

Looking at my badge, almost 1 month later, it still seems weird to see that.

I don’t know what this year will bring. I’m sure it will be challenging. I’m sure it will push me.

So for those of you who have followed this journey through this blog, I invite you to continue with me.

And for those of you who have just found this blog, well, you’re invited too.