In 10 days, I will graduate from PA school.

At least … I think so.

For me, the Lance writing this now, graduation is still far into the future. You and I have just parted ways from the summer 2025 Iceland trip in Series 19. There is an intimidating gulf of time between us that I cannot see through. Long stretches of time obscure things.

I decided to write about my rotations but not publish them until long after they were over. That way, patient privacy is protected. I’ll also be intentionally vague. As of this writing, all of my rotations will take place somewhere in the New York City area, but I’ll never mention specific locations or real names. I reserve the right to blend or split patient cases to further anonymize them, particularly if it helps the story. I’m a sucker for a good story. Besides, in our current world — between current politics and AI — what is truth?

I digress.

For the next several days, you’ll receive a post from many of my rotations as I move forward through time about five weeks with every entry, eventually catching up to you in the present. We’ll “meet” again on Monday, November 16th.

Graduation day.

So we embark on yet another trip together. Not to a particular place, but through time, as this (newbie) clinical-year student travels from his first rotation to his last. I hope that, when we meet again, you’ll find a competent clinical professional waiting on the other side.

Only time will tell.

Welcome to Series 22: The Road to Graduation.