{certified}

[warning: bragging rights ahead]

{this picture was taken in Med School at the UofU}

Nate started his medical journey in 1997.

No that's not a typo.

Ever since then, he has been studying for one gigantic test after another.

By gigantic, I mean, grueling 7-8 hour tests which test

 intellect, wisdom, stamina and knowledge from scientific, social, and moral perspectives.

The MCAT was the first big one.

MCAT: check

Yipee. 

We got into The University of Utah Medical School.

Boo.

More tests.

During Medical School, Nate started taking the United States Medical Licensing Exams (USMLE).

There are 3 "steps"... 4 big, old, huge, honking tests.

(step two has a written test and a clinical competency component= 2 tests)

Some of these tests were taken at testing centers nearby.

During the time Nate was studying and preparing for these tests, you have to realize 

nothing else stopped. 

He was still in Medical school taking weekly exams for each of his courses. 

All of the studying for the USMLE tests was done after his already 

VERY heavy 'regular' academic workload. 

Let's just say I have spent A LOT of the evenings

on the computer or watching tv by myself in the evening.

USMLE's: check. check. check. check.

Wahoo!

passed with flying colors.

Oh, wait. 

You want to be an OB/GYN

Now we get to start residency.

Move to Washington

[working at Madigan Army Hospital]

Work 80-100 hour weeks.

Keep studying for the big kahuna.

OB/GYN WRITTEN BOARDS

Took those in June

Yeah!

[passed] so so so proud.What. 

Not done yet.

Fly to Dallas to take Step 2 of the OB/GYN Boards. Walk into a hotel room.

Get grilled by 6 OB/GYN's who can ask you questions 

about ANY aspect of OB/GYN and put you in any clinical scenario. 

NO feedback. 

Fly home.

Wait.

PASSED!

Even though I am married to him, it is impossible for me to comprehend the amount of discipline and endurance it has taken my sweet husband to get to this point. Thousands of hours of studying.

 Hundreds of sleepless nights working and learning. 

14 YEARS OF DEDICATION

Within those years we have had our marriage, babies, moves, heartache, happiness, stress, sickness, financial worries, miracles and lots and lots of work.

Looking back, I wouldn't change a single decision.

 I wouldn't change a single experience.

 I wouldn't change a single thing.

We're a team.

He couldn't do anything without me... and I sure as heck wouldn't want to do anything without him!

Congrats to my very own board certified OB/GYN

You earned it babe : )

OH Wait.....

He is in Fellowship right now too.

to be an MFM [Maternal Fetal Medicine Doctor]

1 1/2 years left

&

Fellowship Boards

in 3 years!!!!

NOW that is called Dedication!!!!!!!!!

 thank.you Elise,

hope you don't mind

 i used your cute idea!

Brilliant!:))