The first time I was asked to provide a bio — in this case, it was to appear on my residency’s website — I wasn’t sure what to include. It was supposed to be short, not really an autobiography or memoir and it was supposed to make our program look approachable, impressive and balanced. I gave a quick summary of my background, my education, my interests, why I picked the program and ended with a brief listing of my hobbies and interests: “… she loves spending time with family and pursuing hobbies, including photography, travel, gardening, cooking, being outdoors and reading the newspaper over a cup of coffee.”
After ignoring my hobbies — like reading the newspaper — for years during my medical training, I finally have more time to do the things I enjoy.
When, toward the end of residency, I was putting the final touches on the website for my private practice, I pulled up that same bio, updated it slightly, and published it in the “About Us” section just under a picture of me smiling and leaning against a railing overlooking Los Angeles during a visit years ago to the Getty. The bio felt good and balanced; the picture was a perfect addition. I still highlighted my roots, my education, a few honors and key activities that made me proud, and it ended with those same hobbies and interests (with a picture as evidence that I did those things).
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