The Big Mistake I Made in Front of 1300+ Med Students and Residents
- Dr. Jen Caudle
- Jul 30, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 5, 2023
This week I traveled to the American Academy of Family Physicians National Conference in Kansas City, MO to give the Keynote address. I've been preparing for this talk for months and I was beyond excited! This conference is geared towards medical students and residents who are going into Family Medicine and I couldn't wait to be around my people!
It was so nice being in Kansas City because it kind of reminded me of my home state of Iowa (I haven't been back to Iowa in a long time). It was super hot, but with the recent heatwave, it was hot everywhere.
Once I got to town I did a quick test of my presentation on stage and then I got to meet AAFP student and resident leaders (they were SOO sweet, btw):
I could hardly sleep the night before my speech. I was up HOURS before I needed to be up the morning of my talk but it gave me plenty of time to order breakfast and curl my hair (and re-curl my hair because it was so humid and I forgot hairspray at home).
I also had ample time to rehearse my speech (which never hurts!)
I headed to the Convention Center. Excitement was in the air because the conference was officially kicking off and attendees were arriving in droves!
I headed backstage to get mic'd up and to get ready to give my speech.
AND THEN it was showtime... I recorded the audience as I walked to the podium to capture the excitement! (boy am I glad I did)
And, this is the beginning of the mistake I made....
The audience was amazing! There were over 1300 med students, residents, and attendings in the room. All of us are family doctors or interested in becoming one and I could literally feel the electricity in the air!
I spoke for an hour and we all laughed and cried together. We relished in the joys of family medicine and we bonded over the struggles. This speech was one of the most enjoyable speeches that I have ever given and I think it's because we are made from the same cloth. As family doctors, we are all kindred spirits and it felt this way.
So what was the big mistake? My mistake was not realizing just how AMAZING this experience would be. I completely underestimated how inspired I would become from this experience- from the students and residents I met, the connections I made, and the bond I felt with my colleagues. This was undoubtedly one of the best experiences I have ever had. I knew this week was going to be amazing, I just didn't know how amazing.
To all the residents and med students I met at the conference- YOU ARE AMAZING! You all have such a bright future ahead of you!
Thank you, AAFP. You're in my heart.
- Dr. Jen
PS- wanted to share an additional resource for med students and residents in case it's helpful: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRQ7rebvr5iee6eYJm9krBrlwNnXBW1bu.
Dr. Jen Caudle is a board-certified Family Physician, Associate Professor at Rowan University, tv health expert, and video creator. She is a proud member of AAFP and ACOFP. Sign up to receive Dr. Jen's Daily Health Tips to get daily emails (Mon-Fri) with health information you can use to live a healthier life. Follow her on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.
Masters in Artificial Intelligence in USA is often discussed by students interested in advanced technology and research-based learning. It is commonly considered when exploring global study options in fields like machine learning, data science, and automation.
I recently came across this brand and honestly, it has a really cool streetwear vibe that stands out. The designs feel fresh and modern, and the quality seems quite reliable for everyday wear. What caught my attention most was how Stusyy fits perfectly into casual outfits without trying too hard. It’s stylish, comfortable, and gives off a confident look that many people can easily pull off.
I recently tried a hoodie from this collection, and I have to say I’m genuinely impressed. The fabric feels soft yet durable, and it keeps me comfortable throughout the day without feeling too heavy. What stood out to me most is how effortlessly sweat essentials blends style with everyday wear. I’ve worn it casually and even styled it for outings, and it always looks great. Definitely a solid choice if you want comfort without compromising on fashion.
.
That must have been such a tough moment, but honestly, it’s the kind of experience that sticks with you in a meaningful way. It takes a lot to reflect on something like that openly, especially in front of so many people. Stories like this feel real because they show the human side of learning and growth. In a way, it comes across like a spiritual story latest, where the mistake becomes part of a deeper journey rather than just something to regret.
I found this article very useful and informative. The way you explained the topic is impressive. It made everything much easier to understand. Thanks for sharing! Electrician in Dubai