I PASSED!

Professional milestone : I passed my PACES! Yes, it's no big deal - thousands of people pass each year. What's another physician? Well, I did work hard (no movie for a month!) and therefore I think it's blog-worthy! I realise that this is only an entry rather than an exit exam. I also realise that this is the beginning of more challenges to come; passing is by no means a right to exemption from hard work or continued learning. But allow me to be shallow just this once - passing is great for numerous reasons having nothing to do with career advancement. Passing, for me, means

• I can go to the cinema every week and not feel guilty (I'm a movie buff)
• I can spend the money I have set aside for a second go at the exam should I not make it the first time eg. vacation, DSLR and lenses, more shoes, more bags
• I can pack up Baliga's 200 Short Cases for good
• I can spend my weekends away from home
• I can go to the library after rounds to look up journals of interest rather than hunt for short cases and beg for people to take me for these cases
• I can start my own blog
• I can start a family!

Of course, I will strive to be as good a physician as I can be. To my consultants, specialists, medical officers and colleagues past and present, thank you for your hand in moulding me into the doctor that I am today. Once, I aspired to be you. Today I am a step closer to that goal.