David's Future Fellowship

David started interviewing in February for a GI Fellowship that will begin June 2012.  That is over a year away, but that means more time to plan or have anxiety as to how cold it could be.  Most of the the places actually see snow that stays on the ground.  At this point (and the snows around the country this winter) that could be anywhere, except Phoenix.  David just finished his fourth interview.  This means he is more than half way over.  He heard back from all the places he applied, and he only received one no.  He declined interviews from three after being confident in other programs he had heard from.  We were completely okay with that and are confident in what options we have.  I will list them in the order they are scheduled (and list adventures he had with each that we will have to elaborate on later):

• Salt Lake City, Utah (Hey Travis Ault, no need for a Parka, voucher for another flight)
• Columbus, Ohio (Actually somewhat uneventful, not bad at all)
• Houston, Texas (nine interviews, yikes!)
• Chicago, Illinois (lucky shoes...only the beginning)
• Denver, Colorado (late flights, Frontier is almost always behind, enjoyed architecture of the hospital and had time to read about it's history)
• Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• Cinncinati, Ohio

His last interview is April 28th.  This process is much like residency.  David will submit a rank list in which he will rank the order of preferred programs he would like to be at.  The programs will also rank applicants.  A match process.  We will find out in June and will keep everyone posted.  We have no final decisions at this point.  We have a lot to consider for our next three year journey.  We still have one more year to enjoy our time here in Phoenix.  Knowing where we will be headed by June, will help me endure the last lingering triple digits of the Phoenix sun.  I will be sad about the wonderful fall and winter that I will have to leave.  Many people David flew with on the plane were either coming or leaving here for vacation.  We will too, in the future!  The desert landscape has grown on me.  I never thought I could appreciate it, but it is wonderful! 
P.S. David has the pictures on his computer or phone that might explain more of the above adventures.  No words needed!  If you have ever heard any of David's bicycle stories, you know he has some great adventures worth hearing.  Just ask him!