When choosing a physician certification by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) is an important credential, essential to the integrity of patient care. Every ten years, recertification is required to keep certification current and to assure standard of excellence in treatment. The program of study prior to the exam is rigorous and requires intense preparation.

While I feel privileged to be in my field, I must admit to shades of envy as I listened to the fabulous travel/vacation plans of my friends and family during the past months. Why was I buried in study while other were “making merry”? This thought leg me to ponder the topic of “balance”.

Finding balance in everything you do in life is important. Whether it is care of yourself, work, family, pets, school or study, equilibrium is important. Eventually, I had  my “aha moment” and realized that I could still study when needed, go to the park for “me time”, grab dinner with close friends or family, and even enjoy a play date with my adorable niece and nephew. This all left me refreshed allowing me to study more effectively, and still able to give 100% to my patients, including time to write. So, who says you can’t study and still have a life…it’s all about BALANCE!