Passing my oral boards! — 1988
My life history would be incomplete if I didn’t mention the day I almost burst with gratitude, relief, and elation. The day was May 2, 1988, and the occasion was the opening of an eagerly-awaited envelope from the American Board of Anesthesiology, informing me that I had successfully passed my Oral Board examination, taken during the preceding month in San Francisco, California. The English language does not contain words which would adequately express the ecstasy I felt as I read that letter. The Oral Boards examination process was the most challenging, humbling, grueling, and frustrating experience I have encountered. For one hour I sat in front of four academic anesthesiologists and was slowly and methodically grilled, barbecued, and dissected as they presented me with various anesthetic predicaments, challenging my every response. The letter I received marked the completion of 12 long years of post-high school education to become a doctor, and then an anesthesiologist, and finally a fully board-certified specialist. Ah, the joy!
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