The Biggest Change I Made in Residency

Before I even moved to Ohio, I told my friends that I knew residency would be the hardest 18 months of my life thus far.

It’s definitely up there in my top 3 most difficult years ever - but it also changed me for the better, in a lot of ways.

I expected to become a better physical therapist, a more confident clinician, a teacher that my students could trust, and to craft a research manuscript I could be proud of.

And, you know what?

As hard as residency can be, all of that happened. And I could not be more grateful for the experience.

However, the way in which I changed the most?

it’s not what you think…or what i expected

Residency changed: my fears.

Here is a list of my past phobias (like immediate panic and hyperventilation, stay inside the home at all costs, total hyperbolic response to these things):

• cockroaches

• tornadoes and any bad weather (even dark clouds)

• driving in the snow

• dying

• people being mad at me/not being liked

Now? I have no problem driving in bad weather…I almost don’t notice it at all.

My new fears include not being the daughter, older sister, and friend I used to be capable of - when I was less busy.

My fear is that I will not be the provider my patients need, and that I won’t be able to learn enough - be enough - to help them reach their goals.

What do you fear most?