Bidding Farewell to My Trusted Textbook Companions: A Journey of Medicine and Memories

In my 25 years as a primary care physician, I've experienced the marvels and challenges of the human body. From the early days of medical school, the intricate complexities of anatomy and physiology had me in awe. However, this journey wasn't without sacrifices, as I recall the struggle of leaving my 2-year-old daughter to immerse myself in studying for hours on end.

Those textbooks became my companions, trusted guides on this remarkable voyage through medicine. They were the gateway to understanding the intricacies of diseases, treatments, and the astounding workings of the human body. I flipped through their pages, marked them with notes, and highlighted essential details that shaped my understanding of medicine.

With the advent of technology, the landscape of medical knowledge acquisition shifted. I tend to search online resources, offering instantaneous access to information that was once locked within the pages of my textbooks. Netter's anatomy drawings, once confined to printed pages, now dazzled me online and became invaluable aids in explaining medical conditions to my patients.

Despite the convenience of digital resources, I couldn't help but feel a sentimental attachment to those textbooks. They weren't merely books; they were repositories of my journey—the sleepless nights, the triumphs, and the challenges. Flipping through their worn pages evoked memories of my relentless pursuit of medical expertise and the moments of clarity they provided during difficult diagnoses.

As I find myself in a new chapter of life, with grown children and a need to downsize, the question arises: What do I do with these textbooks? Their pages are filled with years of knowledge, notes, and memories. Parting with them feels like bidding farewell to old friends who have been with me through thick and thin.

Yet, downsizing represents a fresh start—a chance to make room for new experiences and opportunities. It symbolizes the evolution of medicine, from the weighty tomes on shelves to the digital libraries accessible with a few clicks. Just as medicine has evolved, so must we, embracing change and adapting to the advancements that improve our practice.

As I ponder the fate of these cherished textbooks, I realize that while they've served their purpose, their significance lies not in their physical presence but in the knowledge and memories they've imparted. They've been instrumental in shaping my career, and though it's time to bid adieu, their impact will forever be ingrained in my journey as a primary care physician.