Q: Are you a doctor yet?
A: Yes. I graduated with my M.D. from UCSD in 2006 and I'm licensed to practice in the state of California.
Q: What's a residency?
A: For those of you who don't watch Scrubs and Grey's Anatomy, residency is specialty training after medical school. I'm starting year 3 of a 5-year general surgery training program. I will likely do two years of research as well, which means I won't be a surgeon until 2013. So for all of you asking if I'm almost done....I'm not.
Q: Surgeon? So, you're rich, right?
A: Um... no.
Q: Why Nigeria?
A: Dr. Ardill, the surgeon with whom I will be working in Jos, worked last year at the VA hospital in San Diego, where we do a large part of our training. He is regarded by all of the residents as an excellent teacher and had great pictures of all of the work he is doing in Nigeria. I seized the opportunity before he left the U.S. to ask if I could come work with him, and he said yes.
Q: Have you ever been to Africa?
A: No. I've traveled a bit in Central and South America and Europe, but Africa is a new experience.
Q: Are you going alone?
A: Yes. Once I'm in Nigeria, of course, I will have the support of Dr. Ardill and his family, along with the Nigerian hospital staff.
Q: Is Regan coming with you?
A: Regan thinks this question is hysterical, because she has no interest in coming to Nigeria with me. When she's a little older I'm sure I'll find a way to include her on overseas trips if she has the interest, but this fall she'll be tackling a more difficult land--7th grade.
Q: What are you going to do about your freakish exercise habit while you're in Nigeria?
A: I'm not sure. Pray for patience? Find a new Nigerian friend to run with me?
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5 comments:
Shannon, I've heard so many great things about Bill Ardill from Bard Cosman (a surgeon at UCSD). What a great way to express your faith while you serve and learn - we are so excited for you! We are privileged to support you in every way we can.
Much love and prayer,
Gigi and Dan
p.s. consider bringing a jump rope. It may not be safe to run..
Shannon, I've heard so many great things about Bill Ardill from Bard Cosman (an excellent surgeon at UCSD). What a great way to grow - professionally, personally, and in Christ! Dan and I are so excited for you - we are privileged to support in whatever way we can.
Much love and prayer,
Gigi Blanchard
p.s. consider bringing a jump rope - it may not be safe to run even with a friend...
"The annual salary for general surgeons ranges from $249,700 to $336,000" awesome. when this happens i move into your pool house k?
shan, i check this thing daily, please update it more often, i know you have the free time. ;)
-Jody
Jodes I am post-call but in all my free time when I wake up I promise to update... maybe even pictures????!!!!
Dude, you so took this idea from me...and I'm sorry I never checked earlier, I didn't think you had anything to say until you left! How silly of me!!!
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