Saturday, May 10, 2008

The future...

I'm 29 years old and have been in school my whole life. Despite this, whenever anyone asked what I want to do with the rest of my life, I drew a blank. I used to make a game of it at family gatherings. Having gotten so sick of the endless stream of people asking what my future plans were, I started telling everyone a different thing. In one night I wanted to be a Dermatologist, General Surgeon, Anesthesiologist, Infectious Disease specialist, and Proctologist (my personal favorite). Well, finally I have an answer I can stick with.



I am going to be a Radiologist. You have no idea how much of a relief it is to say that.

Once I finally made my decision I was able to plan my last year of medical school. I am starting by knocking out some of the really hard rotations this summer. Then things get fun. I'm doing a 3-month focus on sports injuries. After spending 4 weeks in the Emergency Department at Cleveland's Level 1 Trauma Center I'm doing a 2-week elective on Orthopedic Trauma, then 2 weeks of Sports Medicine. Then...



I'm going to KONA, BABY!!!!!

Heading off to the big Island in October to be a race doc for the Ironman World Championships. I can't even begin to describe how excited I am about this!

Then when I get back I'll spend 4 weeks learning Musculoskeletal Radiology and working on a research project focused on better imaging techniques for sports injuries. Talk about a dream 3 months!

In the more near future...

The Desoto Triple T is in less than 2 weeks! This is just baffling to me. How on earth did the time go so fast? Tony and I have been doing a lot of training together. Today we hit the pool for 3400 yards and then had a really solid 55 miles of hills where I practiced drafting off of him and he practiced going slow enough so that I can keep up. He is just spectacular on the hills. Lake Placid is going to be the perfect course for him.

We will be heading down on Friday morning, and the 3 day, 4 race journey begins at 5pm. My parents will also be heading down to watch the madness. It will be great to have them there. Someone will have to claim my body when I fall over dead from exhaustion on Sunday afternoon at the finish line. I sure hope that I have enough energy left in my body to throw back some beer first.

The crazy training for this race has really kicked my butt. I have been sound asleep by 8:15 every day this week. Last week's 19 hours of training left me as a pile of beaten woman. Seems about right for the week before taper. Ah, taper, how I love thee!

14 comments:

Kate said...

That is the coolest thing EVAH! Wow!

Marni Sumbal, MS, RD said...

Congrats on the new decision!! I am sure you will be good at whatever you choose to do but it is important that you are doing something you really really like. I am so inspired when I read your blog. Good luck at Triple T!

Pedergraham said...

Jodi:
I thought of you when I was getting my "lump" checked out last month b/c I remember you had mentioned radiology. I was so happy that the radiologists are right there and you get your answer right away, PLUS the MRI I had on my back last month also cleared up lots of things for me---so YIPPEE for radiologists! I am happy that you will be one. Glad that you have a plan for the next year and WOW Kona!
-Danielle

Unknown said...

Glad to hear that you have decided what you want to be when you grow up. ;-) Just don't grow up...grown-ups suck...better to stay a kid at heart forever and do fun things like...

Going to Kona to be a doc at the Hawaii Ironman! How freaking cool is that? Just make sure to befriend one of the camara guys so that we can see you during the NBC broadcast. Very cool!

triguyjt said...

This will be an incredibly rewarding calling for you...
congrats on making the decision and..wow..you also go to KONA>>WHOOOHOO!!!
Tremendous....in the meantime, you are right on target to rip up the TRIPLE T!!!
good luck

gary said...

That's good news to hear that you have made a decision about what area to pursue. I also think that it is great to see that you'll be able to tie you triathlon passion (sports) into your occupation.

Nikki (my wife) is making plans to go back to PA school, but feels a little at odds because she loves personal training so much and has a great list of clients. I keep telling her that she could find a niche and not have to depart to far from the sports medicine or training area.

Anyway... It is even cooler that you get to go to Kona! Have fun at Triple T. I know there are a couple locals heading up there... I'll be at a wedding.

Eric said...

Great I know what is to be in school for a long time so i am glad you figure it out good luck next week and please post more often. I love your posts

Eric

TriGirl Thea said...

Wow!
Youre going to Kona! Yeah Baby!
How fantastic is that?!

BreeWee said...

That would be the most funny post ever... you pushing a dog in a stroller...hey, it's great resistance training!

See you in Kona!

Wes said...

Sweet! Congrats on selecting your path :-) and that's very cool that you are going to Kona! I know you'll have a blast!!

khai said...

Just promise me that you won't throw stuff around the office, make techs cry, or generally be a self-important asshole once you're official and convinced that you're god. :)

Being a doc in Kona would be AWESOME! That is so freakin' cool I might just have to get myself a slot so I can demand an IV after the race. :)

Deirdre said...

Congrats on both the career decision and the Kona trip!! Wow! Do you need an assistant??

Ironmed said...

congrats! i'm a rising MS3 and EM is my top choice so far. how did you get the kona race doc spot? is it an elective you apply for or just something you do on vacation time? thanks!

http://ironmed.sweat365.com

Bugsy said...

You should go into Radiation Oncology, its da bomb. Anyways congradulations on KONA!