Forums > Social Chat > And a new doctor is loosed on the world

So today I got my final grade sheet filled out. At this point, I have officially fulfilled all of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Medicine from the University of Michigan Medical School. My registrar handed me a copy of the Hippocratic Oath and we read it aloud together. While I technically still need to graduate, which will happen on Friday, 3 June, I am, for all intents and purposes, a doctor. I'm still coming in to clinic tomorrow morning, though.



It's a rather curious sensation, I have to say. I've wanted this for more than ten years. Every action, move, and decision of mine was always backgrounded by this goal.



It's been a long and strange journey, to be sure. I didn't realize I'd finish it as openly gay, or having leaned to spin fire, having earned a Masters degree along the way, or in London, where I'm surrounded by friends. There were many who said I'd never make it; that a guy with ADHD couldn't possibly withstand the rigors of medical school. But many more believed, and they supported me, they celebrated my triumphs with me and comforted me when I hit setbacks. To all of you, my most heartfelt thanks.



It's a bit scary, really. I'll be able to write prescriptions and I will be responsible for the errors I make (and I'll make them). But I also know that I will not be dealt anything that I cannot handle and by the Oath of Hippocrates I am bound to ask for help when I believe that a situation exceeds my abilities to handle it. I intend to make good use of that clause.



And so here I am, a brand-new doctor. And yet at this point there isn't anything I can do today that I couldn't do yesterday. I don't have a prescription pad, I can't practice on my own... I just have two new letters on my name. And yet it means something.



Among other things, it means I can remove the '(in training)' from my sigline and title and I can make just a teensy change to my HOP name.



And for the first time in my life, I can say:



I am Michael L. Ginsberg, M.D., M.S.



But please call me Mike.

-Mike

Certified Mad Doctor and HoP High Priest of Nutella



A buckuht n a hooze! -Valura

Life's too short to worry about where you put your marshmallows

If we as members of the human race practice meditation, we can transcend our fear, despair, and forgetfulness. Meditation is not an escape. It is the courage to look at reality with mindfulness and concentration. Thich Nhat Hanh

Q:What's the difference between the Great Highland Bagpipes and the Northumbrian Pipes?
A:The Great Highland Pipes burn longer.

i would have changed ***** to phallus, and claire to petey Petey

Rougie: but that's what I'm doing here
Arnwyn: what letting me adjust myself in your room?..don't you dare quote that on HoP...

Remember.........YOU LOSE!!!

back

-Mike

Certified Mad Doctor and HoP High Priest of Nutella



A buckuht n a hooze! -Valura

"i am exotic, and must keep my arms down" - Rougie

"i don't understand what penises have to do with getting married" - Foxie