Officially a Third Year Resident

Looks like it is official, I am now in my third year of my radiology residency.  What have I learned so far?

  • I am much more capable of diagnosing now than I ever was before.  Radiology has given me the confidence to be able to look at radiographs and also correlate my clinical findings to have a better understanding of what I am about to treat (and not treat if appropriate).
  • As a general dentist I had an “I know it all” complex.  I pretty much thought that I was awesome and you cannot top my awesomeness.  Unfortunately I am not kidding.  I, as many other dentists do, fell into the ego trap.  I am glad I am out of it and much more humbled by the human body.
  • Success isn’t measured only by dollar signs… Otherwise I would have been very happy as a GP.
  • There is still so much that I need to learn.

Overall I have to say that I am very excited to continue this journey.  Truly one of the best experiences I’ve had in education.  It will be bitter sweet when I am done.  So what’s next?  Right now I am collecting data for my master’s thesis.  I am also starting to study (something I rarely do) in order to prepare for the boards.  Those are the two major hurdles left.  Once complete I am free to practice radiology.  My certificate should arrive relatively soon in the scheme of things and I can’t wait for it.  I have never framed any of my diplomas before.  I’ll be lucky if I can even find them.  This certificate however… Will go on the wall.

2 comments

  1. If general dentistry may still be part of your immediate future plans post graduation, are you worried that you will have lost much of your clinical skills 3 years out of practice?

  2. To be honest I am not. It may take a week or two to get back into the groove, but I don’t think there will be something substantial that I’m missing. I’ve always believed dentistry is like riding a bike. You just need to get back on.

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