I think the thing that stuck out to me the most was the fact of when I'm with you, I'm with you. When I'm out and really enjoying something, you won't see me touch my phone and I have no desire to take photos. I usually have to make an effort to remember to do it. Meeting someone too, I will totally forget to ask for a selfie because I'm soaking in the moment. When I graduated from my bachelors degree, I planned when I was going to take photos and often didn't take as many when I was actually trying to soak up the moment.
2023 match student here, great post. I have felt weird not participating in the excessive posting and dressing up with my class, but that’s never been who I am (always have been told I’m an old soul). I wish I was a little more hyped up for this accomplishment, but maybe the coasting nature of 4th year and being removed me from all the stress of boards. Which has caused loss of the build of excitement. But I’ve also always been one to not get super high or low on life events, but rather I’ll get a little zinger when I’m driving in my car with a flood of emotions. Seems strange, but I actually like the time release aspect of my processing of highs and lows. I do appreciate the line “if you’re not going to pop champagne for this, you never will...” because it also reminded me to reflect and appreciate things in the moment more. Thanks for all you do Dr. Prasad.
Great recollection Vinay. I have been blessed to have multiple degrees including medicine and law but much of this was due to the fact that sometimes I was told no or did not get my first choice. These situations made me more determined to seek out what directions I truly wanted to feel fulfilled and to make my life one that was fulfilling and enjoyable. It seems that too much weight is put on the single experience and not enough on all the steps taken to get to where we are. As one who has been around the sun a few times I would say, as I do to the students I have the privilege to teach and mentor, take time to appreciate all the little things in life or it will pass you by (like the Champagne in the refrigerator).
As usual, beautifully written. I wish I could be at a dinner with you and I spit out my wine because of something wonderfully funny you said. The best line is: when I am with you , I am with you. You are a most unique person! Judy Orlanski
It’s a Gen Z thing. They can’t look at a plate of food without taking a selfie. Whatrugonnado? It’s the over-sharing, #curatedinstafeed generation. Now get off my lawn!
My match was just as COVID had become a thing. I meant to go to downtown DC to see the cherry blossoms in celebration, but the entire area was forcibly closed off. And then on top of that, I didn't match, didn't SOAP, and thus had no job and was living in someone's basement in a temporary arrangement extended by necessity. I was in a generally difficult situation following the recent loss of my mother.
Not fond memories, but I turned it around, so I try to share the story of hope with my colleagues.
I graduated from Tulane in 1999. As you might imagine, Match Day was a huge party. I started the day with a run through Audabon Park, then stopped for a Bloody Mary at Igor's prior the event. My parents lived in New Orleans, so were there with my 12 year old sister. She went up with me, opened the envelope, and told me where I was going. After I called my fiancé to let him know I matched at the hospital where he was already training, the day gets kind of blurry (in the best way). There are no photos, although I am featured in a local news clip, just a very happy memory.
I have a 17 year old daughter who loves to takes selfies and spend time on social media. As she and her friends are getting into colleges, it has been great to see them celebrating each other's successes. An acceptance will prompt several posts from various friends with pictures of them together, the school name and a huge congratulations. But I agree that so much on social media is performative.
Almost 30 years ago, my fiancé and I were getting out of her car to walk to Match Day breakfast. The song playing on the radio was “ you can’t always get what you want. “ It felt like I had heard a prophecy. And I had. My wife and I still have that song as a defining moment in our live and we have always gotten what we needed.
What a fantastic piece, beautifully written. (And there’s not even a photo of this comment.) Hope to have a glass of Champagne to celebrate one day. Cheers.
VP, my match was 2009 as well. We had a nice brunch with family and friends. My wife and son were there with me as I opened the letter. We have some dusty old photos of it somewhere, but they weren't run through 20 filters and retaken with 20 poses. I agree, you miss out on actually being present when all you think about is what this photo will look like.
I matched in internal medicine. I knew as long as I didn't apply to somewhere like the House of God, I would get my top choice. And I did. I'll never forget the simultaneous screams of joy and the almost thundering silence; those that matched in competitive spots and those who matched in a scramble spot. Overwhelming joy matched with sinking defeat. Quite a day. Thanks for the memories, VP.
Really beautiful post. “Very rarely do you understand something in the moment” - yes, so poignant.
I think the thing that stuck out to me the most was the fact of when I'm with you, I'm with you. When I'm out and really enjoying something, you won't see me touch my phone and I have no desire to take photos. I usually have to make an effort to remember to do it. Meeting someone too, I will totally forget to ask for a selfie because I'm soaking in the moment. When I graduated from my bachelors degree, I planned when I was going to take photos and often didn't take as many when I was actually trying to soak up the moment.
2023 match student here, great post. I have felt weird not participating in the excessive posting and dressing up with my class, but that’s never been who I am (always have been told I’m an old soul). I wish I was a little more hyped up for this accomplishment, but maybe the coasting nature of 4th year and being removed me from all the stress of boards. Which has caused loss of the build of excitement. But I’ve also always been one to not get super high or low on life events, but rather I’ll get a little zinger when I’m driving in my car with a flood of emotions. Seems strange, but I actually like the time release aspect of my processing of highs and lows. I do appreciate the line “if you’re not going to pop champagne for this, you never will...” because it also reminded me to reflect and appreciate things in the moment more. Thanks for all you do Dr. Prasad.
Another wonderful life affirming post from you.
And a great reminder to keep a bottle of Champagne in the fridge.
This is it folks.
Great recollection Vinay. I have been blessed to have multiple degrees including medicine and law but much of this was due to the fact that sometimes I was told no or did not get my first choice. These situations made me more determined to seek out what directions I truly wanted to feel fulfilled and to make my life one that was fulfilling and enjoyable. It seems that too much weight is put on the single experience and not enough on all the steps taken to get to where we are. As one who has been around the sun a few times I would say, as I do to the students I have the privilege to teach and mentor, take time to appreciate all the little things in life or it will pass you by (like the Champagne in the refrigerator).
As usual, beautifully written. I wish I could be at a dinner with you and I spit out my wine because of something wonderfully funny you said. The best line is: when I am with you , I am with you. You are a most unique person! Judy Orlanski
I’m older than you, and it usually doesn’t occur to me to take pix.
It’s a Gen Z thing. They can’t look at a plate of food without taking a selfie. Whatrugonnado? It’s the over-sharing, #curatedinstafeed generation. Now get off my lawn!
Man, this was so good!
Wise to read, to post Doc.
Thx
My match was just as COVID had become a thing. I meant to go to downtown DC to see the cherry blossoms in celebration, but the entire area was forcibly closed off. And then on top of that, I didn't match, didn't SOAP, and thus had no job and was living in someone's basement in a temporary arrangement extended by necessity. I was in a generally difficult situation following the recent loss of my mother.
Not fond memories, but I turned it around, so I try to share the story of hope with my colleagues.
I graduated from Tulane in 1999. As you might imagine, Match Day was a huge party. I started the day with a run through Audabon Park, then stopped for a Bloody Mary at Igor's prior the event. My parents lived in New Orleans, so were there with my 12 year old sister. She went up with me, opened the envelope, and told me where I was going. After I called my fiancé to let him know I matched at the hospital where he was already training, the day gets kind of blurry (in the best way). There are no photos, although I am featured in a local news clip, just a very happy memory.
I have a 17 year old daughter who loves to takes selfies and spend time on social media. As she and her friends are getting into colleges, it has been great to see them celebrating each other's successes. An acceptance will prompt several posts from various friends with pictures of them together, the school name and a huge congratulations. But I agree that so much on social media is performative.
Almost 30 years ago, my fiancé and I were getting out of her car to walk to Match Day breakfast. The song playing on the radio was “ you can’t always get what you want. “ It felt like I had heard a prophecy. And I had. My wife and I still have that song as a defining moment in our live and we have always gotten what we needed.
What a fantastic piece, beautifully written. (And there’s not even a photo of this comment.) Hope to have a glass of Champagne to celebrate one day. Cheers.
VP, my match was 2009 as well. We had a nice brunch with family and friends. My wife and son were there with me as I opened the letter. We have some dusty old photos of it somewhere, but they weren't run through 20 filters and retaken with 20 poses. I agree, you miss out on actually being present when all you think about is what this photo will look like.
I matched in internal medicine. I knew as long as I didn't apply to somewhere like the House of God, I would get my top choice. And I did. I'll never forget the simultaneous screams of joy and the almost thundering silence; those that matched in competitive spots and those who matched in a scramble spot. Overwhelming joy matched with sinking defeat. Quite a day. Thanks for the memories, VP.