Level Up

CEO: Patient Care

Objective: Comprehensively evaluate patients by a) obtaining accurate and pertinent medical histories; b) conducting appropriate and thorough physical examinations; c) gathering detailed ancillary information; d) synthesizing all relevant data to generate prioritized differential diagnoses and e) formulate plans of care that reflect an understanding of the environment in which health care is delivered.

All throughout my life, I have been an avid fan of video games. One of the most common themes across genres is the mechanic of “leveling up”. This can be achieved once a character completes enough tasks or earns enough points to reach the next level. This comes with its own challenges, as the difficulty often increases alongside the character progression. But, the character will continuously become more adept with their skills and powers and have a better understanding of the game the more time they spend in that world. So yes, things will get harder as the game goes on, but the protagonist has the knowledge and experience to face those challenges head on and prepared.

I think this analogy closely resembles my journey throughout medical school. As I look back on the road from pre-med to soon to be graduating physician, there have been many instances where I can identify a level-up. The most poignant for me was the transition from the books to the clinic. I had spent so much time in my first years trying to learn the knowledge and medical terms that could allow me to be a competent medical student on the wards. So finally stepping foot in the hospital as a third year was one of the biggest level ups I have ever had.

But I found that I was not completely ready for that next level. There was a steep learning curve to being a clinical medical student and I had to try and collect more information being able to proceed. When a level or stage is too challenging, a useful strategy is to revisit past levels and practice so that you can get the preparation you need to successfully complete that level. So that is what I had to do. I went back and brushed up on my anatomy and made sure to read thoroughly on my cases for the next day. Trying to go beyond so that I was ready for any challenge or question that would be thrown my way.

My last and most recent level up was during my emergency medicine rotation. It was my last rotation of the year, and perhaps the culmination of everything I have worked to thus far. I found myself feeling comfortable with the tasks assigned to me. “Is this what being an intern will be like?” I thought to myself. In my opinion, the last level to complete in medical school is the penultimate transition to residency and intern year. Hoping that all the four years of studying and work would prepare me to be a competent PGY-1. So I was pleased to see the comments that my attendings had for me after working with them. I felt like I had reached the final level. Achieved my final form.

But things do not stop there for me. This game continues on as I transition into residency. There are countless more levels to unlock and complete. Many more challenges and obstacles along the way. But as I look at how far I have come, there is no doubt that I can continue forward.