Laura Vater, MD

I’m 16, and my hands are covered in thick, hardened layers of skin across my upper palms—my body’s attempt at protecting me from the...

It was 5 o’clock in the morning, and I entered the room of my eighth admission. A thin man was reclined in bed, a breathing tube in his...

Many physicians are still thriving in an era of burnout and exhaustion in medicine. What are they doing differently? I've polled my...

If you’re applying for a fellowship this year or in the next few years, this guide is for you. This can be a stressful time, and here are...

Congratulations on finishing your training and stepping into your first clinical role! You are about to enter into the absolute best...

There may be times in your training when your exhaustion or burnout exceeds your ability to continue. This happened to me while on home...

As a gastrointestinal oncologist who cares for patients with some of the most aggressive cancers, grief is something I often face. I have...

After graduating from med school, I was worried that I wasn't ready to start intern year. You might feel the same way right now. Trust...

A white rose was taped to the door, and I pushed the metal handle to enter. The glow of moonlight beamed through the blinds and onto a...

If you're facing an obstacle, or a deep discouragment, or failure, know that we've all been there. Here are some words that have helped...

In the spring of 2020, my former internal medicine program at the Indiana University School of Medicine drafted and instituted a new...

Going from being an intern to supervising interns (the next month) is quite a leap. I remember feeling overwhelmed at this juncture....

What happens when you make a medical mistake? This guide is about what to do next, how to prevent further errors, and how to heal. Dr....

It's normal to feel nervous before exams, presentations, and learning to do procedures on clinical rotations. Here are a few tangible...

Whether you’re in training or practice, working overnight is incredibly challenging. The weight of responsibility for keeping patients...

I once asked a mentor before medical school, "When is the best time to have children as a woman in medicine?" Her answer was this: "There...

We sit at grouped desks, eyes on blinking green pagers then back to bright screens. It’s now the last year of my residency, and I’m...

Here are some things I've changed to protect my well-being: 1. Talking about it – in therapy and personal relationships For too long, I...

Of all the transitions in medicine (starting med school, then med school to residency, supervising roles), I still feel that the...

If you’re in a season of rejection, know that this won’t last forever. Whether it's rejection from schools, programs, or jobs you've...