The internet and podcasters have been on fire for the last few days, with long diatribes of investigative material, both pro and con, regarding the nomination of Dr. Casey Means for Surgeon General by the Trump Administration. I've read endless posts on X and listened to more than a few thought-provoking, eyebrow-raising podcasts.

I listened to a podcast interview with Mary Bowden, MD, Laura Loomer's show, Loomer Unleashed, on Friday night. One of the many things Dr. Bowden said that was absolutely correct: when you are in the fourth year of a five-year surgical residency, you don't just walk out.

By that point, you're enormously committed to your career as a surgeon in both time (you are 12 years into your career path) and money (you've invested at least $350,000). As a resident, you earn a sustainable wage while working 80+ hours per week, and the interest on your school debts accrues. When you're That Close to the finish line, you suck it up and finish it, no matter how much you dislike your chosen path. You've certainly had to "suck it up" and "tough it out" many times over the preceding four years of college + four years of medical school + the first four years of a residency program. You bite your lip, square your shoulders, and cross each completed day off the calendar that is hanging on your refrigerator door, often counting the number of days that remain.