Surgeons are put through rigorous tests just to get in the game. Endure decades of anxiety-provoking acronyms... SAT, MCAT, USMLE, ABSITE. And if pass...
Anyone who’s followed me these last two months knows just how challenging it’s been frying my brain cells on this Neurology rotation. I’ve nearly gone mad with the new studies, deep-diving into research, and those extremely delicate surgeries that make me want to freak out in a mix of awe, euphoria, and a massive urge to make everything perfect—as if I were the one with the forceps in such a sensitive and unpredictable organ. Watching a craniotomy or treating aneurysms has become... well, quite common. Not that I’m complaining! I’m fascinated by our Consultant, the head of neuro, and watching him—working with him—is a total privilege.
I’ve always had strong doubts about which area I’d want to go into for my residency. I truly believed Neurology would be far from my choice; that I’d prefer Trauma or Orthopaedics, and that the thrill of dealing with critical cases would be much more “my cup of tea.” However, this month of March has really captivated me with the brain and its complexities.
But I haven't made a choice yet and it’s too early anyway. I believe that stating for certain what would define my entire career right now would be a big mistake. I want to explore as much as possible and learn everything I can soak up from all fields. And I had a big surprise about which specialty I’ll be tasked with testing my skills in next month: Plastic Surgery. My dad will celebrate when he finds out, and he’ll certainly question why I don’t ask for a transfer to Seoul to “learn from the best.”
On the few days I was let off Neuro these past two months, my resident shoved me over to Plastics and, supposedly, I even got some compliments from the Consultant—which is a bit rare, tbh. So, I’ve been requested for a trial period in Plastics and it’ll be my next fixed rotation, though obviously covering any demand if we don’t have elective surgeries booked in.
As the daughter of an elite plastic surgeon, I feel like the expectations on me won’t be small and, definitely, that scares me a bit. There’s a bit of anticipatory anxiety; I’ve been taking it out on my guitar strings and music has been a great ally.
And speaking of music, one of my favourite bands will be in the UK this April. If my rota allows, I’m going to follow them to all the nearby cities, trekking back and forth. That kind of rock runs through my veins and I need to see it live, relentlessly!