I am now in my 3rd month as an occupational medicine resident and it is everything I had hoped and more. The transition from a naval flight surgeon to a resident has been quite the transition. Unfortunately, the overused statement of “going from a sprint on a treadmill to walk off it” is about what I just experienced.
Life as a flight surgeon was about the best possible thing I could imagine to begin my medical career. I was able to
accomplish all my goals and many “nice to haves” while on active duty. It was busy, rewarding and I made many friends that will last for a lifetime. I did things I didn’t ever imagine doing and learned many things that I’ll utilize for the rest of my life. If anyone would ask me if I would recommend it I would wholeheartedly say, “Yes!”
As a more practical note, the transition from a flight surgeon to occupational medicine resident was quite straightforward. Many of the tasks I was doing daily have prepared me for everything I have seen in Occ Med. Flight physicals, PHAs, FAA Medicals, etc really prepared me and as weird as it might sound I really enjoy continuing along this path.
As part of occupational medicine, I am required to get a Master’s of Public Health or an equivalent Master’s Degree. My program at the University of Texas offers a Master’s of Environmental Science to their residents. As part of this degree program I am taking Epidemiology, Soc/Behav Aspects Comm Health and Indust. Hygiene & Safety. I am enjoying them and will post interesting information from each class in the near future.
Welcome back to my active blog.