I started reviewing the 2022 rheumatology fellowship applications.

We have a group of highly skilled applicants and I am honored that they look into career of helping people with arthritis.

It takes time to review the entire application and choose the candidates for the interview. On the very bottom of the personal part of the application there is a place for a list of hobbies. I never overlook that aspect of the application. One can find fascinating facts about possible future co-workers in this section. The list of hobbies is diversified and colorful, it goes from cooking, reading to hiking and other leisurely acts. One applicant listed “watching Netflix series” as number one on the list of things to do in free time. I looked again and again. Is that good, is that bad, what do you think about that hobby? It is not your classic, like reading Dostoyevski, taking advanced piano lessons or polishing the foreign language. It is not zip lining or watercolor painting. Then I looked at my own life, busy schedule, managing professional and family life, then trying to be a decent daughter and a human being, in addition to having a balancing act with cool hobbies. I do sports and a lot of reading, but I admit - I am also semi-addicted to Netflix, specifically their series. If a young doctor, the applicant, is very busy, but wants to unwind after a long day at work or grueling shifts, is choosing a few episodes of a favorite show such a bad idea? I am applauding the candidate for honesty and integrity, this is what they love and this is what they share and I guarantee you that this is what will become a frequent topic of conversations in clinics, break rooms and other times when you socialize with your co-workers.

While on the topic - this is my summer 2021 Netflix [series or not] selection: Workin’ Moms, Canadian series about well, working moms which is both insightful and hilarious with a diversified cast of characters and this very cool Canadian chill that I envy all my Canadian friends I am lucky to have and who live in the USA. How about the 3 installments of Fear Street ? The movies belong to the horror-fiction genre and take place in a small haunted town. Part 1 occurs in 1994, part 2 in 1978 and part 3 ends in 1666. The costumes, scenery and music is spot on and really delightful if you have any recollection, personal or historical, to times gone-by. The main plot is built around the life and after-life of Sarah Fier and mostly teenage locals who get involved in the mysterious murders happening year after year in the same town, Shadyside. Love it! You may like the movies if you have strong nerves and do not mind grizzly scenes that come with this genre’s territory. Oh, and I do not want to forget about Alan Alda's Four Seasons from 1981. It is a romantic comedy following the lives of three NYC couples, mostly on vacations, through their family and romantic life ups and downs, somewhat predictable, but nevertheless fun and a treat on a slow evening. That thanks to great acting, beautiful scenery [winter set was filmed in Stowe, VT] and musical score composed by Vivaldi.