And after only 24 years of schooling...

He finally did it! On June 14th George graduated from his Residency program and is now officially an Emergency Medicine Attending!!

Photo shoot with the graduating Residents:

(it was very hot and humid, so excuse the poor picture quality--my lens kept fogging up)

George's family came down for the occasion. They truly deserve recognition for their support and kindness while we worked through the program. They are amazing people and we could not have done it without them.

Proud mama:

After pictures, it was on to the celebration! The department rented out a hall on the Downtown Mall where we had a reception in honor of the newly graduated Physicians.

George and Tom. Tom just finished the Research Fellowship that George will start in July and is staying on as an Attending at UVa, so they'll be seeing a lot of each other. I really like Tom.

During dinner, they called each of the Residents up, roasted them a bit and gave them a book. I learned a few *ahem* things about George during the roast, but even while trying to poke fun at him, they couldn't help but to highlight his amazing abilities as a doctor and his optimistic, spontaneous personality that makes him so perfectly suited for the role as an Emergency Physician.

(Dr. Woods is the one doing the presentation. Interesting side note: his wife is also a doctor and is in fact the kids' Pediatrician. She is wonderful.)

The book they gave him? The Martian. Interesting since George was the one who introduced Woods and a few others to the book.

George, through all the long hours, sleepless nights, and rough rotations over the past seven years of Medical School and Residency you have continued to give it your all while still being a wonderful husband and father. You are the best man I know and I couldn't be more proud of you.

George will now begin a Research Fellowship here at UVa while working as an Attending Physician in Culpeper, a city about 50 miles north of here who's hospital is owned by The University. His first shift as an attending is July 1st. He wouldn't admit it to most, but he's nervous about being "all alone" up in Culpeper where he will be the only doctor in the department during his shifts. I know he's going to do a wonderful job. Culpeper is lucky to have him!