The struggle of mommy-guilt in physician-mothers is real

What does a 3 year old know? If you don’t like our toddler’s opinion, just wait; she’ll change her mind in a few seconds.  The ever-changing mind of a 3-year-old is what makes the fact that I decided to be a  doctor at that age all the more amazing.  But, that’s how old I was when my parents took me on a mission trip to Haiti, and I decided I wanted to be a doctor.  I witnessed a delivery of twins, and I knew that I was going to grow up and be a doctor. Becoming an MD + Mom: My personal goals seemed so simple until babies arrived I ended up as a pediatric anesthesiologist; getting there took me from Washington to North Carolina to Virginia to Washington and back to Virginia.  Major life choices, sacrifices, and expenses were all part of the pathway for becoming a physician, and I never questioned them.   My career aspirations were simple until our first baby arrived during residency.  How was I to know that being a mom would completely derail my perspective and goals?  Other women had warned me, but I had always looked on them with a bit of disdain, priding myself on what I thought was superior ambition.  I thought it wouldn’t happen to me.  Maternity leave during residency was a rude awakening, as I immediately realized that my life would feel complete and satisfied if I never worked another day outside of the home, as a physician or otherwise. Continue reading ... Your patients are rating you online: How to respond. Manage your online reputation: A so...
Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog - Category: Journals (General) Authors: Tags: Physician Surgery Source Type: blogs