I dreamed of you when I was young
“Open wide, and stick out your tongue”
A degree instead of a strong, young man
A future with stethoscopes was my plan
I dreamed of being married to medicine
When I met you during college classes
The commitment breaking all impasses
A subject to learn instead of a lover
It was over applications that I would hover
I planned to be married to medicine
I remember when you proposed to me
No gentleman got down on bended knee
A letter instead of an engagement ring
Acceptance into medical school was inspiring
I was ready to be married to medicine
On the special day, I wore white
I walked down the aisle filled with delight
A coat instead of a wedding dress
My badge of honor worn to impress
I would soon be married to medicine
In excitement, the promises were said
In calm serenity, I bowed my head
An oath to empathy instead of vow
I promised to heal both then and now
I was getting married to medicine
The reception was a sight to see
I felt all eyes had turned towards me
A medical student instead of a bride
My new, white coat displayed my pride
I was overjoyed to be married to medicine
The honeymoon was over too soon
You no longer made me swoon
Lecture and labs instead of calm, blue waves
With power points and books in my study caves
I tolerated being married to medicine
The love waxed and waned over time
Regardless, I maintained the climb
Tears of exhaustion instead of passionate fight
Epinephrine preparing me solely for flight
The reality was that I was married to medicine
Because you required my time for full retention
My family and friends received no attention
Lonely nights of studying instead of memories made
My close relationships began to fade.
Sacrifices are necessary to be married to medicine.
Our fourth anniversary will soon be here
When that day comes, I’ll be full of cheer
A doctoral degree instead of cake sliced by knife
Committed to improving quality of life
I will always be married to medicine
But when I am old and gray
My body preparing to pass away
Myself a patient instead of a doctor
No life other than mine will I proctor
Till I die, I will remain married to medicine
Poetry Thursdays is an initiative that highlights poems by medical students and physicians. If you are interested in contributing or would like to learn more, please contact our editors.
Managing Editor Emeritus (2018-2019)
Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Lydia Boyette is excited to be a managing editor for in-Training Magazine. In May 2019, she graduated cum laude with a Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine and summa cum laude with a Master of Business Administration. Lydia matched via the NRMP into anesthesiology residency at the University of Central Florida.
Throughout medical school, Lydia wrote stories about her experiences learning clinical skills and has had her work published by PubMed, KevinMD, and StatPearls, LLC.
Additionally, Lydia has spent a significant amount of time working for community health centers in rural areas. She served as a student physician ambassador for her medical school and previously held the position of editor-in-chief for the local community health clinic's newsletter.
In 2015, she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Business Administration in healthcare management and a minor in general science from Campbell University in Buies Creek, North Carolina. She also served as an English composition tutor and editor. While completing her undergraduate degree, Lydia was inducted into several honor societies including Phi Kappa Phi, Delta Mu Delta, Pre-Med Allied Health, and Who's Who Among Students Class of 2015.