
From Residency to Real Life: No More Training Wheels!
- Shantrice Appleby
- Jul 7
- 2 min read
Whew… Just like that, this chapter is closed —I can finally say it: Residency is DONE. I’m officially done with training—forever. 🙌🏾 No more 80-hour weeks. No more scrambling to submit QI projects, no more last-minute presentations or call shifts that feel like time warps. The girl is DONE. The doctor is OUT. The attending era has officially arrived.
I sat with this moment for a while before writing this blog because the truth is… it feels surreal. After years of balancing medical training with motherhood, finances, life transitions, and a whole lot of internal battles (hello, imposter syndrome and test anxiety), I made it through. And not just barely. I thrived—stretch marks, late nights, and all.
But this isn’t just a “look what I’ve done” post—this is a “here’s what’s next” kind of vibe.
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🩺 What’s Next for Dr. Shan?
1. Obesity Medicine Certification Loading…
I’m not done learning—I’m just done FM residency training. I’m working toward my Obesity Medicine Certification, I'll dive deeper into this in another post!
2. Primary Care in my CITY
This fall/winter, I’ll be stepping into my role as a full-time outpatient primary care physician right here in the Decatur and greater Atlanta area. I’ll be seeing everyone from the littlest babies to our seasoned seniors—excited and nervous all at once
✍🏾 Beyond the Clinic
Medicine is a huge part of my life—but it’s not my whole life. Now that I have a bit more breathing room, I’m focusing on some of my other passions.
3. From Stethoscope to Storytelling
You know I’m always juggling a few things at once. I’ve got a few literary projects brewing, including finishing my “X for Mummies” book series. Super excited about the series and will likely add another children's book! 😅
4. Rebuilding My Nonprofit Baby
Now that my schedule is opening up, I’ll be turning my attention back to my nonprofit, Conceive A Dream Foundation. The goal is to empower youth and women—especially those navigating life as student parents, career changers, or first-gen professionals. I know what it’s like to feel unseen while chasing something big, and this foundation is one way I give back.
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🧳 The Personal Journey
I’m still a mama of three, still traveling with my crew (and sometimes solo for a little sanity and beach therapy), still building brands, and still trying to live a life of intention, joy, and generational impact. Whether it’s getting smarter about money, expanding my businesses, or finding new ways to rest and reset, this chapter is about freedom. Real, grown-woman, I-earned-this freedom.
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🩺 What You Can Expect on the Blog
This space isn’t just for the white coat moments. Yes, I’ll be sharing tips on preventative care, health maintenance, and wellness. But you’ll also find:
Parenting hacks and real talk
Travel tips and reviews
Business wins and lessons
Mental health and self-care reminders
Personal reflections from this new attending life
And, of course, the occasional “here’s what not to do” story because… life.
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🎉 So if you’ve been following my journey—or if you’re new here—thank you. I’m excited to bring you along as I grow in medicine, motherhood, and everything in between.
Let’s do this,

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