A few weeks ago, after taking my CBSE (comprehensive basic sciences exam), I was feeling a little discouraged when I found out I did not pass. I was talking to my dad and his best friend one night over dinner, and we were on the topic of me failing. His best friend, who is an orthopedic surgeon, told me his story about his journey through medical school and how his failures shaped him into the physician he is today. He told me about the feeling he gets when his patients see him for a follow-up after surgery, and how grateful they are towards him for “fixing them.” He said that feeling of appreciation and adoration is what he lives for, and what keeps him going. My dad also told me his story of his failures and how it’s shaped him as well. This was a refreshing conversation for me because oftentimes I feel like a failure and I feel like I’m “stuck” in one place, studying day in and day out. It was refreshing to hear other stories from successful physicians who struggled just like me. It also gave me newfound motivation in working hard to achieve my goals, because I want a success story just like theirs!
