I have a coat

About 4 years ago I tried to imagine my life 5 years in the future in pure images (no words). I pictured myself putting on white to go to work. I was not planning at that time to go to medical school any time soon. I kept puzzling over why I had pictured myself wearing white and tried to think of what job it was I had seen myself doing.

It seems obvious now. But there were plenty of twists and turns and a great deal of help and inspiration on the way to this white coat.

Sorted

A little pomp and circumstance goes a long way...whether it is carefully preparing a flaming drink for eager med students, or presenting the faculty mentors one by one, and have them stand in a line of white coats and achievements facing us.

We are told which mentor will be ours for the next four years. We have been sorted.

I think of times in England, the shorter academic robes we had to wear to dine in the hall, standing while the upperclassmen processed to the high table in their full gown.

These rituals set apart a time of life, a part of yourself. I think they are worth it, flaming blue shots and all.

And when all was said and done, and we were sorted into 'Societies', we saw our first patient. She had advice for us "Listen". And if we remember nothing else, I hope we remember her.