5 lessons for a better life: observations from a front row seat for the highs and lows

KevinMD June 8, 2024
Jillian Bybee, MD

Recently, I had the privilege of being shadowed by a medical student who is interested in becoming a pediatric critical care medicine physician like I am. On the day she came to observe me, we were navigating a busy and heartbreaking time in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). I was curious how the experience would affect her and her decision, but I figured it was as good of a time as any to show her what the job is really like.

Not long after we sat down to talk, she asked me the million-dollar question.

“What’s it like to do your job?”

I paused for several moments and contemplated how best to answer.

We certainly didn’t have the time...