Stability
I.IV.III
STABILITY
In a study carried out in 2019 by Ridout et al, it was suggested that a doctor’s biological age may accelerate dramatically during their first year of practice – in some measures, by several years within a single calendar year.
You’d think that’s an excellent excuse to celebrate a few birthdays at once, only you quickly realise you’re not the same party animal anymore, and that one drink will get you smashed. Which is a big problem when you’re working early the following morning. In a way, I really did feel as if I had aged far more than I otherwise would have by the end of that year – my hair had a bit more salt, I was constantly weary, and I had little room left for extracurricular activities.
As tempestuous as working in a hospital is, orthopaedics was what I’d call the eye of the storm. On most days, Emily and I would be done by around 10AM, giving either one of us the chance to leave early on alternate days and finally reclaim some much-needed free time. It was during this rotation that I felt like everything was starting to fall into place.
For starters, I finally had some time to reconnect with myself. With COVID restrictions easing but still present, I’d go to the beach most days. I was usually on my own, with an empty shoreline all to myself. I’d lie there and enjoy the by-then not-so-scorching sun and the fresh breeze, watching waves tumble over each other. I’d run into the sea feeling freer than ever, then do it all over again.
I started reading again – something I hadn’t had time for since my days in neuro. I worked out more than I ever had before, gaining more muscle mass than ever. I picked up new hobbies too – mostly tennis and squash. And, in addition, I had more energy to go out and socialise – spending time with both old friends and new ones. I even dated the same guy for over two months – something I’d thought was no longer possible. Ever since becoming a doctor, this was the first real semblance of a well-rounded life.
It wasn’t all fun and games though. Whilst all work and no play makes for a dull Marius, I also found the time to continue studying for the MRCS Part A exam. Composed of two parts – the first a multiple choice exam and the second a viva – passing them grants membership to one of the UK surgical royal colleges. While these exams are usually taken by basic specialist trainees, I figured I’d start earlier than required, given the luxury of time I suddenly had.
It’s true that the first year had aged me beyond my years – but I also experienced a multitude of lifetimes in just one. That’s the power of time. And you only really understand it once you’ve lived without it.