Over the last couple of months I’ve had the chance to experience life as a patient because of various hospital referrals and investigations. From bloods, to ultrasound, to xrays and endoscopy, your gal has had quite a lot going on, and so far I’m all good, so I’m grateful to God for that.
It’s all made me very reflective about life and how short it is, so as cliché as it sounds, it’s so important to make the most of each day because tomorrow isn’t guaranteed.
Also, long live the NHS.
It is the 1st of August and as I write this, I am on a train that is taking me to the Midlands, where I’m starting GP training.
It’s been a week of reflecting (and crying) as I say farewell to the city (and flat) that have been my home since I graduated from university three years ago.
All I can do is thank God because He really did that! There is absolutely no way I could have survived the ups and downs of going into the unknown on my own, and God really sent help and people my way when I needed them most.
From colleagues like Lisa, who I met on my first day and haven’t managed to get rid of yet (haha I joke, SO much love for my fave future obstetrician), to my CMF and church family, who were a constant source of encouragement, and my friends who never let distance get in the way of keeping in touch, I have been so blessed to have such great people around me.
Can’t forget my actual family, ofcourse, because the last three years have really made me appreciate how close we are. I’ve met people who don’t have healthy relationships with their relatives, so knowing how loved I am is most definitely something not to be taken for granted.
I can’t reflect on my time in the north without giving a shout out to the best flatmate ever, Boss. He moved in after I finished FY1 in July 2020, and living with him has truly been one of the highlights of the last three years.
As well documented on this blog, I was so SO sad during the first COVID lockdown, so Boss moving in helped me start to make happier memories in my flat, as prior to that I’d associated the flat with feeling lonely and isolated.
And what fun memories we’ve had! Here are a few of them:
– Christmas 2020, when The Keen One a.k.a Kenny came up and we made so much food. We also watched Bridgerton and sang numerous encores on the karaoke machine that he got for me as a present, and it really was such a great day.
– That phase we went through of doing Tiktok dances during lockdown, as well as the Hello Fresh times and taking turns to cook for each other (#neverforget that time I spent a small fortune on lamb shanks…)
– Catching up on the cultural zeitgeist daily with Ken and the many phrases that are now part of my vocabulary – “It’s upsetting me and my home girls,” “It’s so funny to me… payback… I was waiting for the right…moment.”
– Heather by Conan Gray- why did we have that on repeat for so long? 😂
– ALLLL the bakes! I’ve really missed having cakes/cookies/brownies whenever I want because Boss is an excellent baker.
– So many film nights and Boss patiently listening to my fun facts about the film/actors in them, before eventually falling asleep while the film was still playing…
And so many other memories that would take ages to recount. When I think of my flat now, what stands out the most in my mind are memories that include Boss, as they are my happiest ones and I’m so glad that we lived together. Boss has been such a great friend, and I’m so blessed to have him in my life.
So yeah, that concludes the Yorkshire chapter of my life and I’m so excited for what the future will bring.
If you’ve been following this blog for a while or are new here, thanks for still reading! I know I’ve not been as good at updating it recently, but as I get settled into my new city, I’ll be hoping to get into more of a routine with it.
As always, if you’re someone who knows me in real life and you read this blog, send me a message for a proper catch up! I’m always so honoured when I find out about old friends/students who have found my blog and enjoy it, so don’t be a stranger. Trust me, I have even more to say when you get to know me properly 😊
See you on the other side!
I’ve been telling everyone I know who is currently during their foundation training (FY1/FY2) and considering taking a year out after F2 to definitely do it. F3 allllllll the way!
This year for me has probably been my favourite year as a doctor, because I was very lucky to be able to create my dream job – combining ward work on AMU, with two days a week of medical student teaching, as well as working with the Improvement Team to help the Trust and medical school support ethnic minorities more. I even had half a day of study time a week for PGCert work that was fully funded as part of my role too, what an absolute dream!
Being a CTF has made me realise that I want a career that allows me to be as flexible as this year has been, and that is one of the many reasons why I want to be a GP, but a separate post on the next stage of my training will be coming soon…
I am so so grateful for the opportunities I’ve had this year, and I’m so proud of all we’ve achieved. Some highlights from this term:
And last but most certainly not least, getting my contract as a Honorary Lecturer at the medical school extended till 2024. Yupp you read right, 2024! This means that I will continue to help with the delivery of lectures on racism in healthcare for the health and society module. EXCITING TIMES.
So yeah, what a year. I’ve really enjoyed it and I feel so blessed that it was made possible, because this was definitely a miracle role that was put together for me, so all I have left to say is:
Life As A Junior Doctor 