"When a patient has a heart attack, a Harvard student instinctively runs not to his bed, but to the library to read about chest pain." Matt McCarthy was no exception, and at the beginning of medical practice he was, rather, a theorist who knew a lot, but knew little. However, just a year spent in residency changed him dramatically. At first, it seemed impossible - so many failures and mistakes haunted a recent student. But difficult situations, wise mentors and patients themselves helped Matt McCarthy become a real doctor. Talking about this difficult but unforgettable time will help you better understand what the doctor has to go through on the way to professionalism.