What Excellence in Residency Means to Me

Emergency Medicine Resident Dr Janice Soo believes that excellence in Residency is not about getting everything right, but about showing up fully — for patients, for colleagues and for oneself. Outside of work, she finds grounding in volunteering, nature, hiking and quiet moments with music or art. Comfort comes in simple forms too: handmade noodles and bubble tea. Inside the Emergency Department, she meets people at what is often their most perceived critical state; a place where medicine cure sometimes, relieve often and comfort always.

One of the earliest myths I had to unlearn during Residency was the idea that excellence equates to perfection. Over time, I realised that perfection is neither realistic nor helpful. Excellence, to me, is about consistency, humility and being willing to learn — especially on difficult days.

Excellence in Residency is never a solo journey.

Some of the moments that have made me proudest as a Resident are small and unseen. One such moment was finally managing to uncap and cap a blood tube single-handedly in the Emergency Department. It may sound trivial, but in a high-pressure environment where every task counts, it felt like a quiet milestone; a reminder that progress often happens in increments. 

On days when exhaustion sets in, I return to a simple north star: equanimity and sangfroid — calmness and composure, especially in difficult or trying circumstances. It reminds me to stay steady, even when the pace is relentless. 

When I imagine myself in 2036, looking back at my current Resident self, there is one value I hope I never lose: love. As 1 Corinthians 13:13 reminds us, “faith, hope and love remain — but the greatest of these is love.” In medicine, it is love and compassion that keep us human, present and purposeful.

Compassion is the heartbeat of our work.

To me, excellence in Residency is not about being flawless. It is about staying curious, composed and compassionate, again and again.