I have a little more than a month to go until the board exams, and while I’ve been reading almost every day, I feel like somehow it’s not enough, like I should read a few more hours each day.

I met up with my friends a couple of weeks ago, and they have quite the goals for the boards. At first I didn’t really think about becoming a topnotcher, because I’ve met so many people who I know are so much smarter, more disciplined and more passionate than I am about it, and who, more importantly, didn’t spend medical school in a pity party of one.To pass was enough. Also, I try not to attach so much importance of labels like that, because when you go to the other side, well, the labels can’t come.But I guess I’ve been thinking about it in the wrong way. I shouldn’t study well just because I want to top the boards. I should study well because it’s going to make me a better doctor, and it may mean someone’s life one day. While I’m well aware that everyone has limitations, reading more, reading well—this will at least give me a fighting chance.

So yeah, I guess I should try.