It has been quite a while now being 741 days since my last entry and quite a lot has happened. For context:
At the time of the last entry I had just graduated from University of Queensland with a medical degree and was about to start as an intern in early January. Kathryn had just arrived, as my fiance, and we had moved into a great Victorian terrace in Moonee Ponds, renting of course. Since this time:
Medicine - Being inducted into the world of the working it was a bit of a fright and however hectic, life as an intern at the Western Hospital became routine doing the usual core 10 week Medical, Surgical, Rural, Nights and Aged care. General surg was the most gruelling working quite late and sometimes feeling a bit unappreciated but it seems the busiest and most pressured job with good supervision and support is often the best learning experience.
Wedding - In the midst of this, Kathryn arguably had the tougher job of organising our wedding, a wonderful family affair at the wedding registry office in Spring St ( highly recommended ) with the reception at Mamma Vittoria's in Smith St, Fitzroy. The upstairs area, with fire place, beautiful bluestone walls and candelabra gave the evening an intimate atmosphere along with great food. It was followed by a week with Kathryn's family ( visiting from the US ) which involved a fantastic road trip along the Great Ocean Road as far as the 12 apostles ( now only 8 left standing ). I recommend (Chris's at Beacon Point)
This was followed by a bit of alone time travelling down the east coast of Tasmania staying in the Tamar Valley, Freycinet national park and Eaglehawk Neck (Port Arthur) *tip* fill up your car within business hours 'cause there aren't many petrol stations open after 6pm.
Perth - WIth the intern year over, Kathryn and I use our holidays to visit my father and Christina in Perth, once again doing the road trip down to Albany (the Al pronounced as in Alistair) and back up the West coast via Margaret River. Great fun.
Medicine - For 2005, I decided to stay at the Western Hospital to give me a better chance of getting the rotations I wanted. Second year as "resident or hospital medical officer" started in Mildura doing Paediatrics which was a great experience, followed by surgical nights, Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Intensive Care. All were great for general experience.
House - During our time in Mildura, Kathryn and I thought it would be a good time to buy a house, with the generous first home buyers grant from the government ( not as generous as it was and even less so now ), stable house prices and it being a good time to put down some roots. Kathryn did all the critical work and it culminated in us buying a house in Nunawading in the Eastern suburbs of Melbourne with a reasonable sized piece of land and close to family.
USA - While waiting for settlement, Kathryn and I used my annual leave to travel to the US to spend some time with her family. We had a great time visiting Cleveland, seeing the Cleveland Symphony with Kathryn's grandfather, hanging out with uncles, aunts and cousins... Then we spent a couple of weeks in beautiful South Carolina with Kathryn's parents. It was Spring so we had great weather for boating and all round family fun. I also visited Charleston with Kathryn's mother and brother-in-law which was great fun. The civil war really came alive, Charleston being in the midst of it where the first shot was fired... amazing history. Then sadly my month was up so I headed back to Australia and Kathryn went to Austin, Texas for another couple of months to finish her Masters which she did in grand style. So it wasn't long before we were back together in Australia having moved into our new house.
Medicine/O&G - Mid-year it was time to think about applying for the O&G RANZCOG training programme ( see later entry ) with the usual applications and interviews. Although my experience of paediatrics in Mildura did suggest paeds might be a career option, the great experience of Obstetrics in Townsville as a medical student made it clear that O&G was the go. Luckily, the college and the Royal Womens hospital felt I was good material and granted me a place on the training programme in 2006. A huge relief and a good foundation giving some stability knowing that for at least the next four years of the six year programme, we know where we were going to be.
Baby - So with the house and work settled, Kathryn and I felt it was good time to think about a family and I'm ecstatic to say that Kathyrn is pregnant and expecting in September. Nervous but exciting times...
O&G - I've now finished one week at the Royal Womens and amidst slowly coming to grips with a new hospital and the demands of O&G training it's all pretty exciting..
So here's to a good 2006 for all...