Follow this link to read an excerpt from Cornell Alum Michael Greger, MD's book, Heart Failure: Diary of a Third Year Medical Student.
The excerpt, discussing such frightful topics as "Marital Dry Rot" and "Medical Student-Spouse Syndrome" (it's a disease now?) is appropriately entitled "Bachelors of Science". Reminding us that less than 50 years ago an unmarried status made more "ideal" interns, and recalling the residency programs that boast zero percent marriage survival, it clearly tries to discourage any rational person from ever getting involved with an MD or MD to be (e.g. "A progressive emotional separation from family life in the early years of [medical] practice becomes a de facto divorce; the willingness and finally the ability to share feelings and experiences is lost." ...UGH).
But what do we make of these shock-and-awe relationship scare tactics? Seep not into depression, my friends. Remember that we love our SO. We adore our SO. We are infinitely proud of our SO. We are not afraid. And we are not alone!
Call me PollyAnna, but though gloomy the passage, I believe that if we are aware of relationship challenges as well as the astronomical pressures facing our medical students and physicians, it could help us continue to be understanding and supportive (because I know we are now!).
And of course, we can learn from each other some methods to triumph over relationship despair... Who wants to start??
For extra points, bring over your SO (in the off-chance she/he is within ear shot) and have them help you!
Go Team.
No comments:
Post a Comment