Thread: Anyone else leaving wife/husband behind?

Hey everyone, i just wanted to know if anyone else is leaving a loved one in the states while pursueing medical school? Give me a shout, we should support each other in these times as i have heard it can be emotionally difficult. thanks

Hi,
I came here alone for the first ten months before I basically threw in the towel and told the hubby to get his backside down here. Not the wisest move financially, but I think it was best for getting me through the process. I hope that things go well for you here. Let me know if you need support or anything. I can understand your situation, even if I'm no longer in it myself.
Best of luck,
-ang

I am leaving my Fiance in the states for at least from September to May and then I think he will be joining me. It will be hard, but if your spouse is supportive and has as much interest in your success as you do, it will help and give you motivation to pass your classes and get your butt back in the states.
Dionne

Hello Dionne,
I too am leaving someone very dear to pursue a career in MEDICINE. I am praying he will be understanding and supportive. It is hard enough to leave someone who means so much and not being w/them is emotionally challenging.
What is the island all about and how did you FEEL and SUSTAIN your FOCUS ON STUDIES knowing it's all about MAKING YOUR DREAM TO BE A DOCTOR COME TRUE.
Please any suggestions would be uplifting.
Thanks
Darlene

Hi everyone. I too am leaving a loved one behind. As a matter of fact I will be newly married prior to coming down by myself. I can't offer any advice because this will be a new experience for me, but I am definitely willing to support others in the same boat while I'm down there. I plan on flying home after each semester. This will be the longest we've every been apart. I'm banking on the fact that we've been together for a long time and we've weathered storms before. I believe it's doable depending on how strongly bonded the two of you are.....not to mention any problems you maybe having.

I would not feel very comfortable if I we're leaving someone behind that I had only been dating for a short period of time. I believe situations like that are probably more vulnerable. I agree.......we need to stick together and support one another. I should be coming down in January!

We could start a support group called SOS....the "significant others support" group.

I definetely think that we are not alone and should be a support system for each other once we get down there. I will be starting this September. My Fiance is trying to finish up his masters and second undergrad degree but keeps hinting that he may not be able to last any longer than one semester before he moves down there with me. I want him to do what he needs to do though, just as I am doing what I need to do. I have been blessed with a very supportive and flexible partner who is willing to follow me where I have to go while I am in school and during residency. It will be hard, but I think that we all know that it is worth it and we will have extra incentive to work our butts off. My fiance told me that he's not coming to visit unless I get good grades . Hey, that's all the motivation I need
Dionne

Yeah we're kind of in the same boat. He has too good of a job here at home with NASA....we agreed it would be best for us both in the long run if he stays. Plus we have two babies....our dog and cat and I wouldn't drag them down here for nothing. Plus there's a lot of other factors involved our nice house, my car that I don't won't to give up while I'm gone.....(I know it's usually the other way around, doctor first than car, I couldn't pass up a good deal). It's great that your partner is supportive and flexible.....he'll have to be because there's so many unpredictable bumps on the road we're about to travel.

I guess you're all set to go down to the rock. Do you have a place to live yet? Where will you be coming from?

There are support groups on the island for spouses etc that travel with their doctor to be, but I have yet to find any resources for SO's staying behind. So, if you start a group for support of people w/o their mate on the island, you might think of setting your SO's up with contact with each other back in the states. While those of us left behind have plenty to keep us busy (jobs, children, pets, family), we too will find it a bumpy ride while you are gone. It would be nice to have contact with the others "left behind". It would make it easier to find creative ways to keep supporting you froma distance. Just a thought.

**

The Family Forum is just what you need. It was originally set up for:

"Support groups for spouses, partners, parents, and other family members of medical students and graduates".

PLEASE use it, cuz I think it would be great. Not only will you be subjecting yourselves to the possibility of gaining support from Rossie families, but you will also get ideas and input from other Carib school s/o's.

See: http://www.valuemd.com/forum54.html

Im leaving my snow behind.. Where is my support group???