To slow! After a quick look at all the feedback forms I gathered during my rounds, I realized that my main reoccurring error was that I was not quick enough. Somehow all my supervisors came to the same conclusion; this young doctor is not able to sprint.

I vividly remember my first feedback form, the pro’s were read and promptly forgotten, but the con’s: oy…they stuck in my mind, making my next round a complete joke. Have you ever seen a tortoise trying to sprint? In my effort to be quick, I lost the joy of learning. I had set aside my holistic ideals in an attempt to improve my weakness. In doing so, I tried to change the nature of my character and guess what: I failed! Not only did I fail, the whole process of trying gave me the feeling that I was not competent, not capable and foremost not good enough to ever succeed in any medical profession. Observing all the hares jumping from one patient to another in an endless winning streak, I lost confidence in myself. However, through trial and error I now know that the goal of negative feedback is not always change. It is the awareness of your speed, your style and your character that is far more important than change itself. Once I realized that, I was not doubtful about my speed anymore, I knew it was part of the way I do best. My advice is to stay true to your character, use feedback to understand your talents and shortcomings, and by doing so become quicker than the hares.