Wow, two years of working as a doctor—honestly, it’s been a whirlwind. So much has happened that I could never have predicted. If I could go back and give myself a heads-up, I’d tell myself a few things to make the ride smoother. Here’s what I’ve learned that might help others starting out in medicine.
1. Being Flexible is Key
When I first started, I had some ideas about where I wanted my career to go. But the truth is, in those early days, it’s more about taking on what comes your way. I didn't expect to spend so much time in urology, for example, but it turned out to be a great move. I got more comfortable in that field and could build on skills I already knew. Embracing the unexpected and making the most of it has been huge—sometimes the best opportunities come from the things you didn’t plan for.
2. Good Mentors Make All the Difference
One of the biggest game-changers for me this year was finding a mentor who actually cared about helping me succeed. Having someone experienced on your side—someone who’ll teach you, guide you, and actually wants to see you do well—is amazing. They don’t just make you better at your job; they make the job itself more enjoyable. The whole experience feels less like “work” and more like building something you’re excited about. If you can find a mentor, it’s worth it. They give you that extra push and help you see a bigger picture.
3. It’s a Lot Busier Than I Thought
No one warns you how non-stop the work is as you move forward in medicine. It’s not just about showing up, getting through your tasks, and clocking out. You’re constantly trying to improve, take on more, and level up your knowledge. It’s rewarding, but it’s also exhausting. Balancing that ambition to “do more” with the reality of needing rest has been a tough but necessary lesson. Learning to pace myself has probably been the best way to keep burnout at bay.
4. Juggling Work and Studying is Hard
Studying for exams on top of full-time work—this part is no joke. When you’re pulling 12-hour shifts, the last thing you want to do is open a textbook, but that’s just part of the game if you want to specialize. I’ve learned to make the most of any little bit of time, whether it’s studying for 20 minutes before bed or on a break. And then there’s regular life stuff—cooking, errands—that eats into your day. Balancing everything is a real challenge, and time management is your best friend if you want to make it work.
5. Choosing a Specialty Means Committing
Working toward a specialty isn’t just something you slide into. It’s intense, with exams, research, interviews, and a whole lot of preparation outside of regular work hours. This year has shown me how important it is to pick a specialty you’re actually excited about because it requires so much of your energy and focus. Once you start down a specialty path, you’re all in, and that’s a huge commitment.
Final Thoughts
So, that’s the rundown. Two years in, and I’m still learning every day. The journey has been challenging, but also incredibly rewarding. I’m grateful for the people I’ve met, the lessons learned, and for the days when I feel like I’m starting to find my way. It gets easier over time but to say you start to feel comfortable is just the point where you will be humbled and that's a good thing. See what the next year brings...
Watch the video for a deeper dive::
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