u/Glindriel

I don't really know why I'm posting this. Maybe I just need to say it somewhere.

From the outside, my life probably looks okay. I finished years of training, passed my exams, and now I'm working as a consultant while pursuing further training. A lot of people assume that once you reach this point, you've "made it."

The reality is that I'm exhausted.

Medicine has taken up most of my adult life. Every milestone was followed by another exam, another responsibility, another expectation. I kept telling myself that things would feel lighter after the next hurdle. Somehow, they never really did.

I've been struggling with depression and anxiety for years. I see a psychiatrist and take medication, but almost nobody knows. Not even my family. They just think I'm busy or chronically tired. I don't tell them because I don't want them to worry or look at me differently.

Some days I spend hours caring for patients, talking to colleagues, making decisions, and doing everything I'm supposed to do. Then I go home and feel completely drained. I function well enough that most people probably wouldn't notice anything is wrong.

What surprises me most is how lonely this profession can feel. Doctors are surrounded by people all day, yet many of us quietly carry things we never talk about. Everyone seems to be coping, so you end up wondering if you're the only one struggling.

Sometimes I wonder why I still feel this way when I've already reached goals I spent years chasing. I kept thinking that after the next exam, the next promotion, or the next milestone, I'd finally feel lighter.

Instead, the finish line just kept moving.

But mental illness doesn't really care what your CV looks like.

I'm not in immediate danger and I'm continuing treatment. I still show up. I still do my job. I'm just tired in a way that sleep doesn't seem to fix.

I guess I'm posting this because I wanted someone to know that sometimes the person wearing the white coat is struggling too.

If you've gone through something similar, I'd appreciate hearing how you got through it. Thanks for reading.

I recently accepted a full-time government fellowship and also have an appointment at another government hospital as a Referral Consultant. There is no employment contract, no plantilla position, and the only document I signed was the appointment acceptance.

If the fellowship HR does not specifically ask about this appointment, is it generally acceptable not to volunteer the information, or is it better practice to disclose it proactively?

I'm not trying to hide anything. If I'm directly asked or if it's required on the application forms, I'll disclose it. I'm simply wondering what the usual professional practice is when this type of appointment isn't specifically requested.

Has anyone been in a similar situation or dealt with this from an HR or credentialing perspective?

Friendly and constructive insights are greatly appreciated. I'm genuinely trying to do the right thing and understand the usual professional practice. Thank you!

Hi everyone, just wanted to ask on behalf of a friend.

Edited: My friend (graduated in a local med school and already passed the PLE) who was born in the US but both parents are Filipino, so technically dual citizen. They’re considering applying for residency or possibly fellowship training in a government hospital here in the Philippines.

We’re a bit unclear on how eligibility works in this situation:

- Are dual citizens allowed to apply to government hospital training programs?

- Are there additional requirements (like choosing/declaring Filipino citizenship formally)?

- Any limitations compared to purely Filipino citizens (e.g., plantilla positions, return service, etc.)?

- Does it vary by institution?

Would really appreciate insights from anyone who has gone through this or knows someone who did. Thanks!