Mind over Marathon: Staying Well in Residency

At 26, some might say I started my path into medicine a little late. But for me, it was an opportunity to reflect deeply on this vocation. Medicine gives me the privilege of connecting with people at their most vulnerable, offering them hope and being part of their healing journey. This principle also drew me to Family Medicine, where I can care for people from all walks of life. To me, this specialty best captures both the unity and diversity of human life.

Now in my third year of Residency, I must admit the journey can be rather intense. Through navigating two of my greatest challenges in Residency, I have learnt resilience and humility. These lessons have not only shaped who I am as a doctor, but more importantly, as a person. They remind me that every small effort contributes to a lifelong journey of learning and caring.

Learning to Manage Time
Initially, I thought I only had to juggle work and rest. Soon, I realised I also needed time for study. Whether revising for examinations or recapping practical learnings, studying felt like an endless task constantly fighting for my time.

At first, I thought I had to sacrifice rest. However, I realised that studying does not have to happen in isolation. Learning can take place even amid the chaos of work. In fact, I find that learning sticks better with practical exposure. Understanding this helped me free up more time for rest and for my loved ones.

Embracing Imperfections
To be honest, studying medicine can feel overwhelming. Imagine having to process centuries of accumulated knowledge and applying it with compassion in patient care. It took me some time to understand that medicine is a lifelong pursuit and that I should embrace my imperfections. Instead of chasing perfection, I started aiming for progress

Over the past few years in Residency, to stay mentally well, I have tried to focus on what grounds me most: my faith and my loved ones. Daily prayers and moments of reflection give me perspective, while quality time with my wife and family reminds me why I do what I do. These connections help me find balance, purpose, and a sense of identity. 

Speaking of connections, to all my fellow (and future) Residents, always remember you are never alone. Find people you can confide in and rely on — whether your family, colleagues, or friends. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Lastly, remember to be kind to yourself. Take breaks between work and study, and make time for things that bring you joy. For me, it’s my daily cup of matcha latte — simple, but it keeps me grounded. What’s yours? 😊