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Moving On

By Amy Holmes posted 07-02-2013 08:07

  

I can remember as a young child during March Madness being so sad for all the seniors playing in their last college basketball game.  I went through a brief period of mourning for this milestone being met by complete strangers.  This was definitely a learning experience in my early years about the way life continues to move on.  After all, next year there will be another class of seniors playing in their last game.

 

All of my own milestones- moving away to college, moving out of state after college graduation, etc- led to my own goodbyes.  I think the difference then is the excitement and anticipation of the next chapter that you are opening.  It’s a completely different perspective to be static and watch as others come and go.

 

Now as a pharmacist, I find myself precepting both students and residents who revolve in and out each year.  The beginning of each year is a little exciting.  Getting to know them, learning their interests, finding out what role I may play in their tenure with us.  I like to think that their energy keeps me young, although sometimes their youth just reminds me that mine has slipped away!  I can live vicariously through their plans whether it’s their unique career interest or their upcoming wedding.  I learn something new with each experience as well.  But then before I know it, it is time for them to go. 

 

Students who spend a five week rotation with me sometimes end up getting a key to my office to let themselves in when I am not there.  I often joke at the end of the rotation that it’s like “breaking up” when the time comes for them to return the key.  It’s a little sad even when I know that I will see them again soon.  I grow accustomed to working with them everyday, discussing patients with them and making plans for the next day.

 

Residents spend at least one year with us, sometimes two.  That relationship has time to grow more.  As a preceptor and mentor, I really feel vested in their career.  I want to see them succeed and reach all of their goals.  But sometimes that means letting them go as they move on to another facility.  Of course we will stay friends and colleagues.  But something changes.  And again, it is a bittersweet feeling watching them clean out their desk to leave.

 

So now I find myself in the calm period where the office next door is quiet and almost sterile in its emptiness.  The “old” residents have moved out and the “new” group is still in orientation.  I should take this opportunity to relish the fact that I have no Resitrak assignments due.  But I think I need to mourn just a little that last group that just left the nest.  And also to watch with pride as they soar into their future.



#Precepting #Resident #ResidencyProgramDirector #Mentorship
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07-09-2013 13:13

Time Really Does Fly! Wait till you retire Amy. I have been retired for 24 years from full-time practice and it seems like 6 months. Don't wait too long for anything!