Neonatology is kind of like another specialty within pediatrics that mainly deals with premature/pre-term newborn babies that need extra care & support (whether because they were born too early, or they have any medical issues— congenital defects, etc). I haven’t started rotations yet, so I’m keeping an open mind. However, I definitely know that I want to be dealing with children (I cannot handle adults quite honestly). I just get a sense of joy when I think about having a career solely devoted to making sick kids better, and having that knowledge & ability (hopefully) to do so. They are our future you know.

And thank you for the kind compliment. I don’t doubt that anyone can do whatever they want to as long as they work hard and put the effort in to it. I hardly think I’m smart (quite honestly after studying for 2 months for my boards I feel like sometimes I still don’t know anything when I’m answering practice questions). But with a little bit of motivation, a lot of heart and passion nothing is really out of reach ;) .

Hello anon,

Actually that’s not such a stupid question. Prior to starting school I was in another relationship but it ended shortly after school started. I didn’t realize how much med school was going to demand from me until I was actually in it. At first I made the effort and sacrificed a little bit here and there, but then I started feeling horrible for not studying when I was suppose to. I mostly felt guilty when we spent time together, because I was starting to become selfish and always wanted my time. It took me two years post-college to get to here and I suddenly felt the strain of that relationship weighing down on me. So I had to let it go.

I didn’t see this one coming. After that one ended, I told myself that’s it at least for now. But what C and I had kind of just came into it’s natural being. I can’t tell you how nice & comforting it feels to have a confidant who is going through exactly the same thing— same highs & lows. I admire his dreams and aspirations (he wants to be a neurosurgeon) and I find that it’s one thing we have in common (I want to be a neonatologist, babies YAY!). I don’t have to feel bad studying for 12-14 hours because he understands and well, he’s doing the same thing too. We have the same drive and we encourage each other when the other feels defeated. We both feel very lucky to have found each other that’s for sure :). As for the future, I’ve no idea what it holds but we’re taking it one day at a time. Right now, it’s doing well on our boards & rotation. We’ll see where the waves take us.

Life as a med student is not at all glamorous. First year, you had a little bit more free time to be social and make friends. Dating shouldn’t be an issue, I mean you get what you put into it right? But no matter what, keep your goals & priorities straight. It’s easy to lose sight of why you’re med school, why you picked to do this, why you’re putting yourself through such hell. But keep in mind that it’s temporary, the suffering is kind of like a rite of passage you know? Also, you may loose a few friends along the way, mainly because it really is difficult to understand & know what you’re going through. Try as you may to explain, but no one will get why you have to be in the anatomy lab for 2 hours & study all night after being in class for 8 hours, and why you can’t just go out on the weekends. Just remember, you’re doing this for you. Nothing/no one can get in your way.

This has now become a novel. Sorry, but hope I helped a little!