Classmates are beginning to receive and subtly (or not so) gloat about their new diplomas. They are beautiful, large and completely satisfying to look at. Hard to believe that this is what it has all been about…the paper.
The slog of medical school is certainly about learning. It certainly is about figuring out our place in patient care and the future of medical care in this country. It’s most certainly about compassion, healing and care of those in need. But mostly, it’s about the “ticket”, the paper, sheepskin,….the diploma.
Those large ear to ear grins I see from classmates are of total joy in accomplishment and surviving where many have not. And it helps to have a diploma in hand when doing so.
Can’t wait to get mine. I’ve been patient all of these years. I can wait a few more weeks if necessary.
Let us not look back in anger or forward in fear, but around in awareness. 
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