Resident Rounds

by Ashni Nadgauda, MD

One of life’s greatest goals is happiness, which imparts meaning to our existence. Happiness makes us healthier, more productive, and kinder. Yet it often remains elusive, especially in the context of residency, which is intensive, demanding, and stressful. However, as reflected by rising physician burnout rates, happiness can remain a challenge to attain after residency as well. As a result, building happiness is an essential skill for any resident physician, for the present and the future.

The quest for happiness begins intrinsically, as we develop ways to cope with stress and find meaning. Over the course of residency, I have worked on improving my consciousness, grounding myself by engaging in activities such as journaling, mindful coloring, meditation, yoga, and running. These activities help me destress and in turn organize my thoughts and stimulate my mind, boosting my happiness immeasurably. Beyond intrinsic happiness, our environment also plays a significant influence. The friends and family members who helped me throughout my journey to residency continue to serve as a constant source of support and validation. Through them, challenges can become opportunities. For example, coming from Philadelphia, I initially found transitioning to Berks County to be difficult, but my partner’s infectious love for enthusiastically exploring the area has ignited my own excitement for Greater Reading, from the many excellent restaurants to the abundant ways to experience nature. Of course, while fun is absolutely a component of happiness, so is contentment, and being thankful for the simple joys of life is essential. Sometimes a day at home for rest and relaxation is just what this doctor ordered. While these experiences remind us about the simple joys beyond the dayto-day of our busy careers, a crucial aspect of deriving happiness as a resident stems from finding a positive and supportive work environment. As physicians, our work environments are defined by patients and our colleagues. Patients impart meaning to our lives, reminding us why we chose this profession. I am incredibly grateful to be able to support my patients through challenging life experiences, such as menopause, pelvic pain, and pregnancy and labor. Through direct patient care as well as advocacy for women’s health, I have the opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of many. While not every encounter is marked by patient gratitude, the knowledge that my work makes a difference boosts my satisfaction and imbues my life with a sense of purpose.

Last but not least, my colleagues are essential to my happiness as a resident. From the attending physicians who provide advice and mentoring to the support staff who help me every day, I am very appreciative for my nurturing environment. Above all, my own co-residents are cornerstones in the foundation of my happiness. Struggling through the trenches of residency together fosters camaraderie, teamwork, shared experiences, and lots of inside jokes.

Residency can be difficult and exhausting, but with intrinsic motivation and a supportive environment inside and outside the hospital, I have confidence in my ability to persevere. While it does require intentional effort, happiness is attainable, and I am fortunate to have many sources of joy and satisfaction in my life. As I plan for the future, envisioning the career and life I will build, I know that prioritizing happiness by reflecting on my own goals and choosing a supportive environment will be paramount, and this guiding light will continue to illuminate the road ahead.

Ashni Nadgauda is a rising third year OB/GYN resident at Tower Health - Reading Hospital. She is a California native, who moved to the Philadelphia area to attend Drexel University and Drexel University College of Medicine. She hopes to become a compassionate, talented, and caring OB/GYN physician like the co-residents and attendings who inspire her daily.

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