I got in some much, MUCH needed family time. Including attending this cutie's Pre-K graduation!
And being around for this guy's last week of third grade!
I was able to get in my last surgeries for my graduation requirements.
We celebrated graduation with our Wake Med family (the other hospital we rotate through as residents).
I took my last 24 hour call as a resident (!!!).
And we had our final Wednesday didactic session.
Then on July 16, 2018, I graduated from residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology. I still cannot believe it!
Residency is definitely one of the hardest things I have ever done. I talk all the time about the sacrifice of medicine...The family I wasn’t able to see, the friends I was not able to travel with, and the things I was not able to buy....haha
But I have never learned and grown so much in my life as I had over the last four years. Now that residency is behind me, I am one step closer to the final leg of my journey of becoming a maternal fetal medicine doctor.
My graduation weekend was amazing. My entire family was able to come down to celebrate with us. We all packed into my house and laughed, and joked, and spent every minute we could together. There were events all weekend, and it was exhausting. But, I wouldn’t have changed a thing because there is nothing better than being surrounded by the people you love. I'm so thankful for all of them.
Friday during the day, my class met up for an afternoon at the spa, because what better way to celebrate the end of residency than with some top tier level TREAT. YO. SELF.
Friday night was the annual Chiefs' Roast, where the 3rd year class lovingly pokes fun at each of the graduating Chief’s with a video tribute. It’s so hilarious because your families get to see all of the ridiculous personalities you work with, and the ridiculous personality they may not know that you have when you’re at work ;-)
Saturday night was the graduation banquet. It is a wonderful formal affair where again, all of the graduates, both residents and fellows, get a personal tribute and toast to their accomplishments.
Can I just have a moment for my dress and shoes? YAAAAS!
During the ceremony, I was honored to receive the Thaddeus L. McDonald - Espirit de Corps
Award (named for our own Dr. McDonald (pictured above), which is given to the resident who represents the best of teamwork, spirit and pride *tears*My sweet friend Carolyn did my toast. She put so much thought and care into it, and it was amazing. I cannot wait to be her co-fellow this year <3
We followed it up with dancing well into the night.
Sunday everyone went home, and I was left with wonderful memories to carry me until we are all together again...
Fellowship starts on Monday, and I am pumped!
xoxo
Below is the video part of my toast. I cannot say enough how blessed I am to have such an amazing group of family and friends lifting me along the way.
