Post by Jesse Kooistra, MD

The past two weeks have been a whirlwind. I graduated from medical school, where I was nominated Outstanding Student in Basic Science Research and earned distinctions in Basic Science Research and for Promoting Excellence in Medical Education. I also lined up for my first Criterium and Road Race in years. That second one was humbling. Returning to racing after losing the rhythm of regular training during medical school reminded me how unforgiving a gap in consistency can be. Fitness you built over years doesn't wait for you. I think residency will be similar. Clinical judgment, procedural skill, the habits of a good physician. These feel like things that require their own kind of fitness. I'm heading in with that in mind, trying to be intentional about showing up to learn every day, and keeping enough of my other routines intact to sustain that effort over time. Consistency won't make residency easy, but the lesson from this season of life is clear: consistency is a powerful tool, and I intend to use it.