Comments on: You can meld marriage and medical school

By: Barb

Barb — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 19:05:39 +0000

Great advice, Dr. Kraeger, from you and your best friend! And I’m glad DMU continues to have an organization for our students’ significant others. Congratulations, too, on your 30th anniversary this year – that’s truly a wonderful accomplishment, gift and example.

By: Daniel Kraeger

Daniel Kraeger — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 19:33:23 +0000

Hi Barb, nice article. When I began at DMU in 1983, there was an organization at school for the spouses called SAA: (Beth later became president of SAA for three years), At the very first meeting my wife attended, Leonard Azneer, the University President at that time, told the wives to look to their left and right and realize that at least one of those people would not be around at graduation. His words were prophetic as unfortunately our class had its share of divorces. Beth and I made a commitment to our marriage by meeting for lunch one day each week when I began my practice. Now, nearly 20 years later, we both feel it is one of the best things we have ever done. Each Wednesday we meet for lunch at a local restaurant. It’s been Cousins for the past five years. Many of Beth’s friends know about this, my associates at work know not to schedule anything for that noon because I will not be there, and many of our friends from church or around town who see us each week know of our little get together. People will literaly say to me; “oh it’s Wednesday, are you meeting Beth today?” This hour has allowed us to stay on top of our work schedules, raising three children, and social event items. We both sit down with our calendar and catch up. Beth will agree with me that this hour is the highlight of our week because we know we get to have lunch with our best friend. This year we will celebrate our 30th year of marriage. Not bad for a couple of kids who began dating at 15 and 17. God bless, Dan

By: Barb

Barb — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 21:55:07 +0000

Good for you, Beth, about your date night – even for couples NOT in medical school, that’s a great habit that too often goes by the wayside. Best to you and all our students and their spouses in “keeping your eyes on the prize.”

By: Beth Seidl

Beth Seidl — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 15:52:31 +0000

Barb,
I couldn’t agree more with your advice. Communication is a key element in any healthy relationship. I know that picking one night each week for a “Date Night” has really helped my husband. Even if that means renting a movie and cooking dinner together–it gives us that sense of normalcy.

Thanks for the wonderful advice!

Beth