As I begin my second year of child fellowship training, we have started a deep dive into dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) in our didactics series. This therapy is so intriguing to me, because it borrows concepts from Eastern philosophy and brings me newfound appreciation for my own cultural background. First and foremost, at the core … Continue reading Reflecting on DBT and Mindfulness
Processing
Once again, I do not know where the time goes. I blink my eyes and suddenly it's June. And yet I feel like I've been a first year fellow forever. I finished my 4-month inpatient child and adolescent rotation at the end of April, and it took me a whole month to recover. I’ve finally … Continue reading Processing
Catch Up
The last few months have flown by. I've been running around most days trying to play catch up with everything that has to be done. I live hour to hour because every moment has so much packed into it. I don't actually mind this, and in fact, I love it. I've always been the one … Continue reading Catch Up
Taking Time
This is my first Christmas at home in five years, and the longest break I’ve taken in who knows how long. Being far away from home for residency and medical school, I always seemed to be caught up in something. Or making excuses not to actively seek wellness. It’s been great rolling around in bed … Continue reading Taking Time
Still Here
I made a very difficult decision about a patient a couple weeks ago. After I made the call, I just sat there reflecting on how I handled it. I was harsh. I still think it was the right thing to do, but I did not add much empathic statements like I always do. All I … Continue reading Still Here
Data Collection
Today, I learned that I am too quick to try to fix things. It's incredible how much information gathering is needed to properly assess a child. And in this process, we build rapport and empathize with the parent and patient. But right now at this stage in my training, I still find it really hard … Continue reading Data Collection
Adjustment Period
Learning a new system is hard. Learning the politics of a system is even harder. Probably because it’s usually learned by experience. Also, when you deal with children, everyone gets on a whole another level of intensity. There is heightened anxiety everywhere, and people are quick to blame. When the peds ED attending yelled at … Continue reading Adjustment Period
Leaving Residency, Starting Fellowship
When I moved away from home to start medical school, I was fearless and inpatient. I was tired of the bubble I called home, and wanted to see the rest of the country. What was it like out East? Midwest? It was probably the inner “Dora the Explorer” in me from moving around so much … Continue reading Leaving Residency, Starting Fellowship
In the Worst of Times
One thing residency teaches you is how people show their true colors as they go through one of the most difficult times in their lives. You really can't hide who you are, especially in this profession of mental health. You just can't help people with mental illness if you don't address your own internal struggles. … Continue reading In the Worst of Times
Self-Worth
I constantly wonder what the world would be like if everyone loved themselves for exactly who they were. What conversations could be had if there was no insecurity or defensiveness? If we could learn to be vulnerable and open, and be empathic toward others and embrace our differences? In didactics we are learning a lot … Continue reading Self-Worth
The Good Enough Psychiatrist 