Staplers and such

This past Wednesday found me behind a desk with one of my fellow chief residents interviewing 20 applicants for our residency positions. It was a fun day. Having just completed a whole raft of interviews myself as a candidate, it was interesting to be the one doing the interviewing.

Wednesday was also an interesting day because it was the day that my own match for a fellowship position in colorectal surgery occurred. It was the most competitive match year for that sub-specialty in years, with 1/3 of people applying not obtaining a position. I was one of the fortunate 2/3's of applicants to obtain a spot, and was even more fortunate in that I obtained my first choice. So beginning in July of 2008, I will be a Houston resident. Whatever happens, at least I won't be cold.

Its sad to think of leaving Chattanooga. I've enjoyed living here and will miss the other residents and faculty whom I've come to know so well over the last 5 years.

The next 6 months will be busy ones with clinical work. I've also broken my pledge not to do more research and have embarked on one research project and one clinical case report, both of which will probably turn into journal articles somehow or another in the next 6 months. At least I won't be bored!!