Phoenix Medical Spa

As July 1 approaches, I always find myself reflecting on the beginning of my own postgraduate training.

I've had the privilege of completing two residencies—first in Obstetrics and Gynecology and later in Internal Medicine. Each experience challenged me in different ways, stretched me beyond my comfort zone, and helped shape the physician I am today. Residency taught me to trust my training, sharpen my clinical instincts, think objectively, and always strive to provide the best possible care for my patients.

To our incoming interns and residents: remember that you are not starting from zero.

By the time you graduate from medical school, you've accumulated thousands of hours of clinical experience caring for patients across pediatrics, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, internal medicine, psychiatry, and other disciplines. You have spent years studying, sacrificing, and developing the foundation that brought you to this moment. There will undoubtedly be a steep learning curve, but you belong here.

I'm incredibly proud of the newest physicians beginning their residency and fellowship training. While residency is one of the most rewarding experiences of your career, it can also be one of the most stressful.

Remember who you are beyond the white coat.

Burnout can occur at any stage of a physician's journey, which is why developing healthy habits early matters. Build your support system. Set boundaries. Invest in self-care. Learn resilience strategies. Prioritize your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

These aren't luxuries—they are foundations for a sustainable and fulfilling career.

Perhaps that's why I continue to enjoy mentoring pre-medical students and medical students and why I look forward to speaking with AMSA on June 27th about "Crushing the ERAS." I am passionate about helping the next generation of physicians because many of these lessons—identity, boundaries, resilience, and career sustainability—are not taught until physicians are well into their careers, often after experiencing burnout themselves.

My hope is that we can change that.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026 and to every physician beginning residency and fellowship this July. You have earned this moment.

Learn deeply. Stay humble. Ask questions. Take care of one another.

And never lose sight of the person behind the physician.