Thread by @JeanMoorjani

I stand with #MeghanAndHarry for recognizing a toxic and unhealthy situation, and being bold enough to remove themselves from it. This pales in comparison, but watching their interview reminded me of one of my own toxic experiences that I try not to think about very much

I was a General Surgery resident for 3 years. I worked hard, and somehow became Intern of the Year. I started realizing how toxic and mentally unhealthy the entire environment was during my PGY-2 year. I told them I wanted to transfer programs and change my career

I remember being told from attendings in “the institution” that I better be just thankful that I’m in a categorial position, bc so many other would have wanted my spot. That I better not even think about getting married or having a family until I had my board certification framed

For almost half of my third and final year there, I worked night shifts bc I was so scared to see anybody from the dept. I wanted to see who I only absolutely had to if a patient needed to go to the OR. I felt like I knew what was best for me, but everyone else made me doubt it

I felt guilty about leaving my classmates. I had ONE surgery attending who gave me the best life advice ever - he told me that there will always be somebody to cut the grass, to do the work, and you are the only one who knows what’s best for me and my own personal life

Fast forward 15 years later - I’m a pediatrician, wife, mom, and I have NEVER regretted my decision to leave the toxic & hateful environment that I tolerated for 3 yrs. So, you DO know what is best for you, no matter what anyone else says. And you can always change your path