The past few weeks and the next few weeks have been rather hectic. But when is it not ever hectic? And I can 100% say that the chaos is all my doing – they are my responsibility and I am the reason why I got tangled into this madness in the first place.
March
1st – NYC Marathon lottery results – The ballot opened in early February. This is my second application, didn’t get in last year. If I get in, that would be 5 out of 6. But of course, I won’t be running Tokyo this year.
4th – Mock PACES – Despite it being a mock exam, it is the same nerves and adrenaline rush.
5th – Tokyo Marathon – Not running.
13th – Junior Doctors 72-hour Strike begin. Still don’t know how this will impact my exams.
14th – Practical Assessment of Clinical Examination Skills (PACES) – For the last year, this has been the #1 thing that is causing the most stress. Exams are not my strong suit. Everyone around me says that these shouldn’t define me as a doctor. The challenge is that what I think about myself is what should really define me as a doctor but at the moment, the results of my previous attempts sitting this exam is really affecting how I think about myself.
14th – Annual Review of Competency Progression (ARCP) – I am now in the last month of this part of medical training (Internal Medical Training). With any training, you need to prove you have achieved your competencies, that you are competent. In medicine, you need to prove through assessments that you are good enough to progress, that you ‘meet expectations for this year of training.’
23rd or 24th – Medical Oncology Interview – I am still awaiting an interview invite. AND I am scheduled to work Nights on both these dates. I have not done any interview prep yet due to PACES and ARCP.
30th or 31st – Clinical Oncology Interview – I am still awaiting an interview invite. Similarly, I have not done any interview prep yet due to PACES and ARCP.
April
2nd – Last shift as an IMT2 – well, if all goes well and I pass ARCP.
6th – PACES Results – High stakes. This will determine if I would be able to take a Specialty Training job, if offered one.
20th – Oncology job offers – well, if all goes well and whether I am suitable or not.
23rd – London Marathon AND 7th year wedding anniversary – First attempt on Reaching the First Star.
Oh I know what I can get you for our anniversary… I’ll let you run the marathon.
David
*24th – Maya’s school – We find out which school Maya will be attending in September.
All in all… it really is a rollercoaster and this is on top of raising a 4 and a 2 year old. And at the end of the day, everything may be happening all at once and it is overwhelming, but everything will fall into place. More importantly, it is the event on the 24th of April that puts everything into perspective. My baby girl is going to start school soon!!!
Reach for the Seven Stars 