We've discussed this over the years many times, but I always find it interesting. What skills do you, as a mother, bring to the study or practice of medicine?

Here's a silly one for me. I can 'switch off' external noises and chatter to study, work or read. Just learned to tune irrelevant noises out, like when a child has a terrible electric toy that makes noises. I don't even notice the sounds, but when a childless friend visits she's grimacing at the constant noise.

Prioritizing and time management. Know what needs to be done, when, who it affects and what the consequences are if it doesn't get done. No time for procrastination.

Multitasking! Say no more.

I think being sleep deprived for the past ten years (since the first of my four children was born) and still being able to function is going to ba a wonderful asset to me in medicine (when I get there). Currently, once every week, I go without sleep for 48 hours due to the fact that I work nights and then come home to care for children and then go to school and finally fall into bed after trying to study for an hour or so.

I also can think under pressure. in fact, in my work environment, I seem to get calmer as the pressure rises, knowing that if I "lose it", it is not a benefit to my paitents. Same can be said with my kids normally.

Creativity, resourcefulness, and flexibilty are also assets. I may not know all the answers, but I certainly can find out what I need to know. I may not like changes much, but am able to go with them. And who else but a mom can help a kid make a computer out of boxes??? or an entire architectural world out of scrap wood????

I believe that every experience a person brings to the table upon entering a career is an awesome asset and makes that person able to relate to that many more people. Medicine is a people oriented profession (for the most part) and being able to relate to others is essential. Being a mom is a great ice-breaker because everyone likes to talk about their kids and tell funny stories.

Okay....so one thing that I have NOT learned but have been working on my entire life is PATIENCE. We all have our faults