Renee Flores, MD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Geriatric and Palliative Medicine. She is also an Associate Program Director of the Internal Medicine Residency Program. and the Fellowship Program Director of the Geriatric Medicine Fellowship Program at the McGovern Medical School of University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. Dr. Flores received her medical doctorate from St. Matthew's University School of Medicine. She also completed a masters in Health Service Administration from St. Joseph's College of Maine. She is board certified in internal medicine as well as hospice and palliative medicine.

Some people see challenges as insurmountable obstacles. Other people, like Dr. Renee Flores, see them as breadcrumbs which mark the path to take. Today, Dr. Flores tells us how the first job she got after residency had her questioning her decision to be a physician. But she stuck with it long enough to learn that she was indeed cut out to be a physician, and to learn what she did not want in a job. Then, during residency, she encountered a difficult patient in his 70s with dementia. Instead of backing off, that's when she realized she wanted to specialize in geriatrics. Even now, the difficult patients are her favorite to treat because they're so challenging. Leaning into challenges can bring joy and satisfaction.

Pearls of Wisdom:

1. If your first job is a struggle and makes you question whether medicine was the right choice, maybe it isn't medicine that's wrong for you. Maybe it's just the wrong job. Use that opportunity to clarify what you don't want in a job. 2. Define success by happiness, because if you're not happy with what you're doing, you won't be successful for long. Medicine is stressful. Balance that with joy. 3. When stress threatens to overtake you, a good sleep can recharge your batteries. Also, remember that your life is more than just medicine. Engage in a hobby, be part of a group, do something that energizes you outside of work.