A New Adventure - by Andy Baldwin

July 1 marks the day each year across the country (and throughout the world) when new medical students, interns, residents, and fellows full of anxiety and worry start their respective programs. This fact should be known by all potential patients as this is the most precarious and inopportune time to go to the hospital. If you happen to end up at the doctor’s office or hospital this July please go easy on the new residents and interns as they may take a bit of extra time on you.

The reason I mention this is that I am one of these doctors. On July 1, I resumed my residency training in Family Medicine at the Naval Hospital on Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base in Southern California. After spending several years as a Navy Diver Operational Doctor, participating in a handful of Navy humanitarian missions and special assignments by the Surgeon General as Ambassador for Navy Medicine, I am back in… the hospital again. My move to California comes on the heels of an epic trip to Africa to run the Comrades Ultramarathon. It’s been a massive transition and an exciting start to a new chapter in my life – a rebirth if you will.

It is only fitting that the first service in my rotation is Obstetrics where we physicians help bring new life into the world. And things got started right away! As I was making my rounds at 7am, I received a page from one of the Obstetricians requesting that I come assist her in an emergency C-section. After some surgical intervention I found myself cradling a crying and happy baby boy in my arms and showing him to his mother who had an even bigger smile on her face.

Over the past four days I have delivered 6 more babies and am right back in the swing of things. Just as we are sometimes with our athletic training or racing, it can be nerve-racking to get back into it, but once you push yourself to confront it head on, and make it through, it is that much more gratifying. And you wonder what you were so nervous about in the first place!

Speaking of training and racing, there are less than two weeks to go until the incredible Nautica New York City Triathlon. I hope that all of those competing that day are ready for a fun filled day. Swimming in the Hudson River can be daunting, but just know that you’re going with the current, and will have your fastest swim ever! The bike is full of beautiful rolling Hills and the picturesque run around Central Park provides a finish line finale like none other. I’m excited to be there in two weeks, and will provide a more comprehensive race strategy in my next blog.
See you soon in NYC!