Hello!

A Day in the Life of My Future Self: Dr. Me

 

It’s 7:03 a.m. and I’m sitting in my car in the parking lot of Improve Life PLLC, sipping a coffee I didn’t have time to finish at home. I like to take a few minutes before going in, just to breathe, center myself, and glance over the day’s schedule. It’s a mix of checkups, one first-time patient, and a couple of chronic care visits. Nothing I haven’t done a hundred times before, but I’ve learned that in medicine, every patient has the potential to surprise you.

 

Even now, 10 years after I first imagined being a doctor, I still get a weird mix of calm and nerves before walking through those clinic doors.

 

I Never Thought I’d Choose Family Medicine

If you had asked me in high school what kind of doctor I wanted to be, I probably would have said something like pediatric surgeon or ER doctor. It sounded exciting and intense. But family medicine turned out to be the best fit for me, not just because of the variety, but because of the relationships. I get to know my patients over time. I see them through milestones, challenges, and everything in between.

 

That’s what I care about the most. Being someone people can rely on, not just for medical answers, but for support and real connection.

 

A Patient Who Reminded Me Why This Matters

One of the most meaningful visits today was with a teenage girl named Natalie. She came in for abdominal pain, but something felt off. She barely made eye contact, and when I asked about her home life and school, she got quiet. Eventually, she admitted she’d been skipping meals and struggling with body image.

 

I paused before responding. I didn’t want to sound clinical or judgmental. So I just said, “I’m really glad you told me. That takes a lot of courage.”

 

We talked more, and by the end of the visit, we had a plan. I referred her to a therapist, a nutritionist, and set up follow-up appointments with me. I told her she wasn't alone and that I’d be here to help however I could.

 

Those are the moments that matter the most to me. When someone walks in feeling scared or ashamed, and walks out knowing they're seen and supported.

 

Looking Back at Where It All Started

On my lunch break, I scrolled past an old photo from high school. It was from my pre-med internship at Improve Life PLLC psychiatry, which is the same place I work at now. Back then, I was wearing a borrowed white coat, standing next to one of the doctors who let me shadow her during a busy clinic day. I remember being amazed at how she stayed calm even when things were hectic. She made patients feel heard, and she explained everything so clearly. That summer changed everything for me.

 

The internship gave me my first real look into what being a doctor was actually like. I helped with intake forms, watched patient visits, and even learned how to take vitals. I realized that being a doctor wasn't just about memorizing science. It was about listening and communicating. That experience helped me understand how to prepare for medical school and what kind of doctor I wanted to be.

 

My Medical Shadowing Experience

During my junior year, I also shadowed a surgeon at a local hospital. I remember feeling completely out of place. I stood awkwardly in the corner, hoping no one would notice how nervous I was. I didn’t know what to say, so I said almost nothing. But even then, I learned a lot just by watching. I saw how every person in the room had a role, and how much trust was required between patient and provider.

 

That’s what I tell high school students interested in medicine now. Get in there early, even if it's uncomfortable. Volunteer, shadow someone, ask questions. You learn so much more by being in those spaces than you ever could from a textbook.

 

Fictional Photo Caption

“Dr. Yakkala between appointments at Improve Life PLLC. Still caffeinated. Still grateful.”

 

Patient Thank-You Note (Or Google Review, LOL)

Dear Dr. Yakkala,

 

Thank you for listening to me without judgment. You helped me open up about things I didn’t even know how to talk about. I left your office feeling a little lighter, and more hopeful.

 

I don’t think I’ve ever felt that comfortable talking to a doctor before.

 

— Anonymous

 

3 Tips I’d Give My Younger Self

1. Don’t try to impress people. Be honest about who you are and why you care about medicine.

2. Take care of your mental health. Burnout doesn’t wait until residency.

3. Step out of your comfort zone. Some of the best lessons come from situations that feel awkward at first.

 

Wrapping Up the Day

By 5:30 p.m., I’m finishing my notes and grabbing my stuff to head out. It’s been a full day, and I’m tired, but I feel good. This job isn’t always easy, and there are definitely tough days. But helping people, even in small ways, is what keeps me going.

 

Sometimes I think back to that version of myself who was googling pre-med tips and nervously walking into her first shadowing opportunity. If she could see me now, she’d probably be shocked I made it this far, but also proud. Being a doctor turned out to be even more rewarding than I expected.