On Monday, John graduated from residency. I’m putting it lightly when I say that he kicked ass in Boston, and I’m not the only one who thinks so. Not only was he recognized for his work, dedication, and leadership as one of the chief residents, but he also received an award of scholarly achievement, newly created to recognize his level of bad-assery. Perhaps the best demonstration of his impact is in what his patients and his colleagues have to say about him. Some of the notes that patients submitted on his behalf were read at the ceremony…it’s hard to fathom how many lives he’s touched, how many have been made a little (or a hell of a lot) better due to his service. But some of my favorite moments had to be while mingling with other residents or the incoming intern class. It takes a special kind of leader to be so unanimously well-liked and respected. John’s simply amazing. And now he’s an attending physician.
John and I were both so honored that Matt could join us for the celebration. He’s been such an integral part of our lives in Boston, both personally and professionally. And he and John make quite the research team–I love it! Then, on Tuesday, we learned that Matt destroyed the MCAT. I have three responses: 1) CONGRATULATIONS, you deserve it! 2) I f—ing told you so. 3) Come to Penn!
I couldn’t decide whether to include the picture of us with or without flash, so you’re getting both:
Especially when next to such handsome men, I look a bit disheveled. Let’s just recognize that I still, at least, have both eyes intact after applying mascara on a turbulent airplane. Score.
Quick story: Matt was actually the first person I told when I got my MCAT scores back from my third time taking that hellish test. We had just had rehearsal with the TFC, and he and Tom (another totally inspiring dear friend who, incidentally, has a voice like melted chocolate) had been charged with the task of keeping me distracted (with a fair amount of alcohol and Pandemic, as I recall), so that I wouldn’t continually check to see if my scores had been posted. I got my scores when I got home that night, around 1am. I tried to call John in the ED, but had to leave a message…and I simply had to tell someone I loved. So Matt was the lucky person I woke up in the middle of the night. His reaction: “Oh, I’m so happy for you…what should we do? Do you want to go out and celebrate??!” Um, dude, it’s 1am on a Monday…go back to sleep, buddy. But how sweet of him, right?
CliffsNotes: SO proud of these two gentlemen. I love them both, so much a lot.
anna in med school 
Fabulous news!
Thanks so much, Jill! We’re pretty excited!
I concur on both counts! Congrats to both of them! Anna–you always keep such good company 🙂
Thanks, Erica! And, what a sweet thing to say to me–of course, the same could be said about you. Love!
Aren’t you leaving something out? Like being a bit proud of yourself for finishing your first year in medical school (and even more remarkable that Penn survived it, also !!)
Neal
Haha, thanks Neal! Well…until I get that email telling me I passed, I’m not assuming anything 🙂 Also…re. “that Penn survived it:” were you concerned that I would torch the place??(–although that might be the best thing that could happen to the biomed library…kidding, kidding, of course!)
Thanks for your comments and support!
You are far too good to me! Thank you for your kind words. I do, however, have to agree with Neal – you’re amazing and I’m absolutely proud of you too. There is no luckier man than myself for having you in my life, and there is no one who loves you more than I do. JJ
Hmmm…I’m still working on the “being good _enough_ part,” but I’m doing what I can. So SO proud of you! Way to represent Team Jesus! And a special congratulatory gift recently got delivered…waiting for you in Philly!
ahhh so proud of you and John BOTH!! What a year in the Jesus family. Love you two amazing people, and let’s talk soon about a visit this summer. xoxo, Kristen
You, my dear, are WONDERFUL! Thank you for your comments, and I will need to plan a time to get out to NYC! You are ALWAYS welcome chez nous, of course. How’s your summer been? Love you!
Mazal tov’s all around. P.S. I love pandemic.
thanks! we should play!!! and, settlers of catan??