Hi, all! I can't guarantee that I won't ever post here again, but I can't guarantee I will. Recently, I took a post as the Associate Editor over at Physician Family and because of that, I feel like writing related to medicine and medical families should be done for that role. I will update here on occasion, possibly, when new stuff comes up. In the meantime, though, you can find fresh stuff over at Physician Family. I'll leave this page up, though.
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The other night, I realized that I could summarize a good survival kit for those married to or sharing living space with docs. Here are my top few items I have on hand at all times. If you are a doc and looking for stocking stuffers, fear not, I have you covered. These are unisex gifts, and I am thrifty so there's sure to be something here for even the poorest of residents. If you're really poor or don't read this until it's too late to order something, go scoop the cat box, take out the trash, unload and reload the dishwasher or fold the laundry in the dryer. Those are all wonderful gifts, too. Wireless earbuds (click on the photo on the left to see the version I have). I picked these up during Prime Days for a couple of bucks off, and they will set you back less than $25. Why are these so important? Not only are they great for on-the-go listening to the Married to Doctors and Dads Married to Doctors podcasts, but they last a good four hours on a charge, which only takes about an hour. I also use these to watch TV when the doc in the house is dictating notes or doing work that requires silence like prepping for boards. They pair well with FireTV's bluetooth. If you don't already have a streaming device, The FireTV mentioned above is a good tool to have. It was a big help with entertainment )and still is) as I could stream series that Doc isn't interested in. It's nice knowing that when your Doc falls asleep on the couch that they can always stream what you watched later. Roku and other streaming things work well; I just love the accessibility of the Music app and other Prime things that the FireTV offers. Disclaimer: I am not responsible for any TV addictions, including binge-watching Married to Medicine. Even if you don't snore (you probably do), these are a lifesaver during call nights. They fit well while blocking out most of your phone dings but allowing enough sound to get through for necessary interactions. These are my preferred style, and they are only $2.50 for ten pair. Bonus: If you have a cat, these seem to make great cat toys, too. The gift of books: Why not let your SO know you are thinking about your relationship, too? Whether you give a classic like Sotile's The Medical Marriage or go with something humorous from the spouse's perspective like Megan Sharma's Memoirs of a Surgeon's Wife, buying books like this let's your significant other know you're keeping an eye on their well-being, too. Gearing up for medical school? Love in the Time of Medical School by Sarah Epstein is a great read for those wondering what the start of the journey is like, as well as useful for making readers ask those hard questions about what they are willing to sacrifice.
Don't just stop at a book, though. Make sure you and your SO are part of the AMA Alliance so they will also get Physician Family print issues as they come out. Be sure to check out the Dads Married to Doctors storefront, too, as they have some great mugs, shirts, and other swag. Even I keep thinking about ordering a "Trophy Husband" shirt for wearing around the house.
As we near graduation day for residents across the country, be sure to take some time to acknowledge the trauma that goes with training and be ok with some awkward starts to your new life.
First, let me share this: Matt Barton's Funeral/Memorial Fund. Take a look at the fund and decide if you can chip in before you read this post. I'll provide this link at the end as well, so for those of you unsure, you can reconsider.
One more day and Dr. D. and her classmates become PGY4s. That means today is the last day of residency for four other residents in her program.
One way to get a better understanding of the life your medical spouse is leading is to read books related to their profession. Cutting for Stone is next up on my list; having listened with Dr. Dani in the car while she was listening to it on her commute back and forth to Topeka, I am really excited about this one. Click through to see what else I've been reading.
While Friday is Match Day, today is the day people learn if they matched. Here's hoping that they are as jubilant as Aaron Paul on getting called down on the Price is Right. And here's hoping they didn't overbid in the showcase.
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This blog is written from the perspective of an older medical spouse who happens to be childless by choice. I hope that husbands, older spouses, those childless by choice, and others will find this entertaining and occasionally useful.
AuthorI am a writer with a day job, a PhD, and wife to an amazing MD who is in residency. Archives
April 2019
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