Dear Future (Doctor) DeSalvo,

Hey there. Wherever you are in your life right now, sit back and be proud.

You spent your entire life working towards that simple title. Doctor. So you did it, you're a doctor...what's next?

By the time you read this, you'll be out of medical school, finishing up your residency, ready to become a "real" doctor. Maybe you're doubting whether or not you made the right decision. You're stressed and you're running on very little sleep. You've probably had baby fever for a while now. Hopefully you're still with the love of your life, if medical school didn't push him away. Hopefully you find joy in the profession you fell in love with in college, even if it's stressful.

Keep pushing, and don't forget where you came from. You came from a blessed life, but your mind did not love you. It probably still doesn't. You'll live with depression for your whole life. You're still on Zoloft, huh? Your mind will always try to tell you that you aren't good enough. At least you aren't where you used to be; you feel like you have a purpose in life now, right? Is it just because you're a doctor now, or have you finally found peace with yourself?

Please don't forget to find peace with yourself.

Maybe I'm completely wrong. Perhaps you are completely comfortable with your life. Everything went according to plan. You got into your top choice school and your top choice residency, you're doing amazing, and you're ready to get a great job. Maybe the benefits are so great that you're willing to start a family now. Be proud of the "Doctor" in front of your name, but don't forget where you came from.

Remember the days you felt like you couldn't make it through. Remember the friends you've lost, the heartbreaks you've endured, and the tears you've shed in college over schoolwork. Now that your friends can call you a doctor, you might feel like you've accomplished it all. No. Keep striving to find meaning beyond your career. As much as you love medicine, it's okay to spend time with your friends. It's okay to think about having a child.

Please don't forget to find love from yourself.

Chances are that you're settled down, and maybe you're getting married soon. Congratulations, but take a few minutes to reflect on what you think about yourself. Find love from within.

Maybe this is all nonsense because you gave up a long time ago. That's okay too. Maybe you've taken a completely different path. You're not a doctor after all. I don't know, maybe you have skills that I haven't even discovered yet and landed a job in sales. Who knows? Whatever it is, don't place excessive worth in the initials behind your name. You're more than your career. You have a life, you are a radiant being, and you deserve to feel content with the world.

Remember how bad you wanted to be a doctor long ago. Be this determined for as long as you live.

Be your own patient. Check in with yourself. I want you to live a life you love.

With love,

Heather DeSalvo