Becoming "Katie Casper MD"

This past weekend, I officially became "Katie Casper MD." I was sworn in as a physician as I recited the Hippocratic Oath with my fellow classmates. As I sat in the second row of Northrup Auditorium at the University of Minnesota, I felt as though no time had gone by from the time that I received my white coat four years ago, at the start of medical school.

Everyone has been asking me, "how does it feel?" It feels incredible. Four years of medical education was difficult and exhausting, but I would do it over again in a heartbeat. For the first time in my life, I was learning about topics that interest me and will allow me to make a positive impact on my patients' lives, all the while being surrounded by some of the most amazing people that I have ever met. My classmates are exceptional human beings.

It was the best four years of my life and I'm pretty sure residency is about to top it! It was so much fun to reunite with my classmates for our final 'hoorah' and reminisce on all that we have been through together...late nights in anatomy lab and long hours of lecture in the first two years, followed by two years in the hospitals and clinics where we struggled through patient presentations and differential diagnoses together. At the end of four years, we have refined our clinical skills, passed 3 board exams, matched into a residency program after a long interview season, and now - we are doctors.

My roommates (from years 1 & 2) and I at our graduation ceremony.

I was fortunate to have tons of friends and family around to help me celebrate my graduation. My parents, grandparents, and sister's family spent the weekend in Minneapolis and we had an incredible time together. We ate some awesome food, enjoyed some rooftop cocktails, and threw a little cinco de mayo fiesta for friends and family.

Family dinner at JD Hoyt's downtown Minneapolis

My high school besties made my fiesta so much fun!

All-in-all I would say that my graduation weekend was 10/10. I had such an awesome time seeing everyone and I felt so loved and supported. Thank you to everyone who was able to attend my fiesta and for those who sent good wishes my way. I am now off to enjoy a few weeks of vacation followed by some hefty packing for my big move to Phoenix. I just landed in LA to spend some time with my cousins...updates on our adventures to come! We've got some sweet plans up our sleeves;)

My rock <3....aka my moochie!

-xoxo Dr. Katie