Sunday, March 11, 2012

Chosen Path

This post is actually 2 weeks later than when I made my decision, but it has to be written nonetheless.

I've decided that I will not return and finish my MPH.

It's not like I'm necessarily giving up on getting an MPH (eventually), it's just not what I'm looking for in my career at this time. I may end up getting an MPH as a part of a preventive medicine or ID fellowship, if/when that time comes. I may end up coming full circle and return to some lab work, but not now and not in the near future.

And I've decided this for the reasons I wrote in my previous post. The words that clarified my decision came from my M4 advisor, who told me:
"I'm going to tell you what I tell residents who're deciding whether to do a fellowship or not. A fellowship, like your MPH, requires you to give it your all and your total dedication. If you're going back and forth now, ask yourself: is this really what you want? Or is your doubt telling you something?"
Those words shone in my mind like a sun burning up morning fog. I've made my decision. And I'm at peace with it.

5 comments:

Mike said...

Good luck!!! I'm sure you'll be successful regardless of what you do!!!

fan of casey said...

Aek: Full steam ahead! Better to focus and not spread yourself too thin.

naturgesetz said...

I didn't have any helpful thoughts in response to the earlier post, because I don't think I really understand what the MPH would do for you.

I'll just say I'm glad you were able to come to a decision that satisfies you.

. said...

Good luck Aek...I know you will do well and I'm sure it's a great relief to have this decision made. Have a good week ahead!!

SCalRF said...

Decisions, decisions :-) Glad you're at peace with what you've decided to do (or rather, not do, hehe). Best of luck to you buddy!