Blog name and address change

Hey, in honor of all of the new ridiculous stories I'm going to have as a resident, I'm changing my blog name and address.  This matters because this blog will no longer exist under the old address/ name.  So:

old name - Almost a D.O.ctor; doctoralmost.blogspot.com

new name (!) - Practically a D.O.ctor, doctorpractice.blogspot.com

A friend suggested the clever name change to accompany the change in status.  I will really be practicing being a doctor now, in the sense that I will have to try to work out patient care on my own and in large part my attendings will exist as a safety net.  This is quite different from how you work as a medical student, where you have really no autonomy and there is always someone looking over your shoulder.

I will change the site name in about one week.  It doesn't look like there's a forwarding service that I can set up, so don't forget!

Residency training, day #1

Things I learned from my first day of residency training:

1. Lower your expectations.
2. Be on time.
3. Pay attention. 
[3a. If you're falling asleep, hold your breath until your brain thinks you're dying, freaks out, and floods your system with adrenaline.  Problem solved!  You are now awake, if twitchy and a little pale.]
4. Don't make excuses for your stupidity.
5. Don't harbor regrets for your stupidity.
6. I am probably as ill-prepared as I think I am, if not more.
7. Things will probably be okay anyway.

I'm doing a bit better spiritually/ emotionally, by the way.  It's incredible how the Lord comforts us in our struggles.  My attitude toward residency isn't settled yet, but it'll get there.