The transition from House Officer to floating Medical Officer

After completing housemanship, most of us will step into the role of floating Medical Officers — often within the same hospital where we trained. The environment feels familiar, the colleagues are known, and the system is predictable. It is a safe place to begin, and in many ways, a comforting one.

One day, the posting letter comes. Suddenly, we are placed far away from our hometown, family, and the place we once called our training ground. The comfort of the familiar is replaced by the discomfort of distance. Often, we don’t get to decide where we work. Instead, we follow the postings assigned to us and move wherever we are needed. It feels daunting, even unfair at times — why am I the one being posted so far away?

The discomfort of distance

Being placed far from home brings its own struggles. Everything feels heavier without family nearby. Festive seasons carry a quiet loneliness. Even small things — favorite food stalls, familiar roads, childhood friends — suddenly become distant memories.

The hidden opportunities

Yet, behind the discomfort lies opportunity. A new hospital means new working environment, new colleagues, and learning practices that suit the local setting. Each environment exposes us to different patient demographics, healthcare challenges, and systems of work. The learning curve is steep when posted to a non-specialist district hospital. I found myself re-learning important basics from different departments — skills and knowledge we had long left behind during Housemanship. It was a necessary step, not only to adapt well, but also to become as competent as possible in serving a district hospital. I believe, these broaden our skills, sharpen our adaptability, and strengthen our confidence.

And perhaps most importantly: we might discover our true interest, and even hidden talents.

During Housemanship, life was too hectic, too rushed. We were focused only on surviving the day and completing tasks. But as young MOs in a new place, we now have some breathing space to observe, explore, and ask ourselves: Which field excites me? What am I naturally good at? Where do I feel most alive?

The interests and talents we uncover now will guide our future decisions — whether it is entering a master’s program, becoming a specialist, or pursuing as a subject matter expert in the field we love.

Discovering the beauty of people

Another hidden blessing of being placed far away is discovering the kindness of strangers. When I worked in a different place, I was touched by how the staff treated me like family. They were always friendly, never made me feel like an outsider, often shared food, and even celebrated my departure when I had to leave.

Experiences like these remind us that although we may be far from home, we are never truly alone. There are good people everywhere — waiting to connect, support, and journey with us.

Growth beyond comfort

Staying forever in one place may feel safe, but it can also keep us stagnant. Growth comes from movement, exploration, and facing the unknown. Being placed far from home may seem like a setback at first, but in reality, it is a gift — a push towards growth we might never choose for ourselves. It is definitely not punishment, but preparation for us to progress further.

So if you find yourself far from your comfort zone, don’t despair. Embrace it as an opportunity — to grow, to discover your interests, and to shape your future. You are still young, and this could be the turning point that eventually leads you to the field you love, the expertise you build, and the career you are meant to have.