This article in Annals of Internal Medicine explores the use of narrative journaling in medical residents. By analyzing written accounts of residents’ narratives, the authors reveal information about the interplay among residents’ interactions with patients, residents’ personal issues, and their struggles during several discrete stages of their professional development. The paper reveals four themes of residency in sequential order: (1) search for identity and core values (early internship); (2) a period of transition (late internship); (3) disillusionment and despair (year 2); (4) hope and reconciliation (year 3). The authors posit belief in their educational model with a strong focus on reflection and self-awareness.