Category Archives: Thoughts

Becoming a Craftsman

I just finished watching this inspiring documentary named Jiro Dreams of Sushi recommended by Daniel Pink. It documents master chef Jiro’s obsession with sushi and how he often makes sushi even in his dreams. Relating back to residency, the last four months have been a tremendous period of growth for

Tales From the Call Room - The Pager

On those rare call nights when things are quiet on the wards, I often find it hard to sleep soundly. The reason is because there is a big elephant in the room - the pager. The pager is your electronic leash. You learn to hate the pager and you learn

So Good They Can’t Ignore You - Book Review

Readers of this blog may know that I am a long-time reader of the Study Hacks blog by Cal Newport. In fact, a lot of Cal’s posts and books are very insightful and have changed how I approach studying. I would like to think I am a more efficient and

Tales From the Call Room - Sleeping Pills

A collection of short tales from being on call the last few months [3:28am] [medaholic] - Hi, this is doctor medaholic returning a page [Nurse] - Yes. Mr. S has been having difficulties sleeping and would like a sleeping pill. [medaholic] - I would prefer not to give him any

The Death of Blogging

I started reading medical blogs during my premed years. I was originally fascinated by the stories and experiences of medical students, residents and practicing physicians. During this time there were a few blogs I became quite emotionally invested in. Everyday, I would anxiously await new posts to be updated as

Choosing a Medical Specialty Round Two

Choosing a Medical Specialty in Internal Medicine One good (and bad) thing about choosing a residency in internal medicine is that you have choices. Just like in medical school, I often get asked about what kind of a doctor I would like to be in the future. Preceptors want to

Countdown to Residency

Residency is just around the corner. I wrote last year how July 1st was one of the most dangerous times of the year in the hospital. It’s hard to believe that I might be that rookie doctor who might make that fatal mistake. I’ve pulled out my textbooks and I

Who Reads this Blog? How You Can Help

I’ve been thinking about which direction medaholic.com will be going for the next little while. With residency starting in just two weeks, there will be a lot of change coming soon. To help me better help you (readers of this blog), I’ve decided to set up a poll to see

Graduation

I’m sitting here in an empty room searching for words to describe the last four years of my life in medical school. My bags are packed, my goodbyes have been said and I’m heading to a new place once again. I didn’t realize how happy and sad I would be

The Case for Digital Notes

Officially done medical school! And if studying for the LMCC last week taught me anything, it’s the importance if having a learning system in place. I’m now doing my big academic purge in preparation for residency. I almost feel guilty for throwing out so much stuff. There are binders and binders full