Round up of the Year 2023
2023 was good. Many good things happened. Let’s take a look back at those.
Firstly, I finally got a handle over my sleep apnea. After many years of trying to fix it with lifestyle modifications I realized that I needed to give CPAP a serious shot. Initially it was tough getting used to wearing a mask while you’re sleeping. After a couple of months of trying I got used to it. My sleep and health have been much better as a result, thank god for that.
Secondly, my relationship with God is quite good. I have understood a few things about faith that I did not understand before. My relationship with God went from a relationship of conformity to a relationship of love and respect. I think I am a better human being than I was at the start of 2023.
Professionally, several important milestones were achieved in the project I was working on. We have completed the writing of the AKU Manual of Therapeutics. We are scheduled to publish it in the first quarter of 2024. So kudos to the team on completing this work.
Physically I feel strong and fitter. The rowing machine workouts are paying dividends in heaps. My core, legs and upper body have shown significant improvement. Much more muscle, less flab, better posture. My cardiovascular fitness is good too. I also found a fix for my cricket needs. I now regularly go bowl in the nets at SKBZ ground close to my place. That is all I was looking for from cricket. A place close to my house where I could play cricket in a short duration of time rather than the 5–6 hours that it takes to play a match.
My family is doing good too. Parents alhumdullilah are healthy and happy. Hatim is doing well in Canada. He has a good job and I think he has settled well into life there. I look forward to inshallah meeting him in 2024 in Canada.
Maryam and Abbas are doing good too. Abbas is growing up to be a good emotionally and physically healthy boy. Maryam and I had our challenges as husband and wife this year but we were able to overcome them thankfully. It was a tough time while we were navigating those challenges but thanks to God we were able to find our new balance as husband and wife. We moved into our own portion in October 2023. We are loving it.
I also had a chance to trek up in the north in Sept-October 2023. I did the Rakaposhi base camp trek and explore a couple of short trails around Skardu. Enjoyed those adventures.
On the friends part, I am quite clear about who my friends are and I am very comfortable with having few but close friends. Their lives have their challenges like anybody else but happy to share that they are doing good too.
What could I have done better. I have been studying for this exam, USMLE Step 2, for a while. I was hoping to have taken it around the end of 2023. Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond my control, it is unfinished business. I plan to take it in March or Apr 2024.
What do I hope to achieve in 2024? Quite a bit. Let's list a few things down
- Take USMLE Step 2 CK
- Apply for EM residency in September 2024
- Travel to the US for Clinical Observerships in Jul — Sep
These are the big things on my self-professional goals.
The rest will go hand in hand. Rather than making clear goals for my physical health, this year, I will just aim to pursue good habits. With the new cook making healthy meals for me, I do not have to worry too much about healthy eating. With regards to exercise, if I stick to a routine, exercise happens automatically so that is sorted too. With good habits. Physcial health results follow organically.
Professionally, I am also looking forward to joining PLSP.
So lots of great things are in store for 2024. Lets do it!
