Since residency is in our blog name, I thought I would take some time to update everyone on David's new adventure. Let's go back to the beginning...While David was in med school, he felt God guiding him to the field of ophthalmology (eye surgery). Thus, we began the application process for his next step after graduation. Ophthalmology residency requires 4 years of training- 1 year in a general medical training (internal medicine or general surgery) and 3 years in ophthalmology. We were blessed with the opportunity to complete all four years in Nashville with his first year at Baptist Hospital and the remaining 3 years at Vanderbilt. His first year took place from July 2012-June 2013 while working in internal medicine. This was a HUGE blessing to our family. Since we were welcoming our fist child into our family during this year, David's schedule at Baptist allowed him to be home with us on a more consistent basis. He did take call during this first year causing him to have a little more hectic schedule than the average job, but we were able to spend a lot of quality time together. Such a big blessing!
On July 1, 2013, David began his next step in his residency journey starting his position at Vanderbilt Eye Institute. Finally, he made it to the field he had chosen to pursue, and boy did he hit the ground running!! David joined the 4 other residents (totaling 5 residents in his class) with excitement and eagerness! His first year at Vanderbilt will be quite the year! He will be taking call every 4th or 5th night in addition to working very busy days in the different fields of ophthalmology. His first rotation has been in plastics. He has very much enjoyed the work and surgeries he has been a part of thus far. With his busy schedule, Andrew and I have tried to make our schedules as flexible as possible to ensure seeing David as much as possible! We knew going into this year we would be challenged with David's demanding schedule, but with the help of synced iPhone calendars, prayers and nightly devotions together as a family, we are devoted to spending as much time together as possible!
Is it still hard? Yes! Do we still get frustrated with an ever-changing schedule? Yes! Do I get frustrated when I am ready for Daddy to be home at 6 like other dads and find out he will be in surgery until 8? Yes! However, I am reminded day after day of the blessings God gives us to get through this time. We are SO blessed to have Gran and Papa down the road who help in ANY way that they can, my in-laws who come in for weekends at a time helping with chores around the house and love on our little boy, friends so close by that offer smiles and help whenever needed, a loving church family and life group that checks on us and lifts our family in prayer, other residency wives who call and offer advice when I need it most and a God who is there for us and with us during this challenging time. Both David and I are so very thankful for his position at Vanderbilt! We know he will gain the experience and knowledge he will need to be one successful ophthalmologist!
Lunch with Daddy at Vanderbilt
