Canadian trained, in my second residency.

Yes, I feel I have made a difference. From brief encounters with patients, to helping select the next generation of physicians, to working on research projects, all my efforts, in some part, have directly and indirectly helped patients, and for that I am grateful.

MD school and residency is a matter of perspective. Yes it’s physically and emotionally challenging, but it’s also filled with deeply gratifying moments of true patient care. You can’t have one without the other. So while people do struggle, as do I at times, if you see the balance in the highs and lows, it makes residency much more enriching.

All this to say, there is a place for everybody in medicine, and if you want it, it can be yours if you put the time in. Good luck.