26hr photo project: "...it can be both beautiful and exhausting, all at the same time."

Dr. Marian Coret says: "As residents, we often have busy 26 hour call shifts that often feel a bit like a rollercoaster. There are times where you have bursts of energy and times where you feel like your brain is running on fumes. There are moments where you forget to eat and drink properly, and a coffee, water, or a snack dropped off by a friend can feel like the most generous gesture in the world, and can almost bring you to tears.

"When you finally go home, and you see the rest of the world just waking up to start the day, it can be both beautiful and exhausting, all at the same time. You’ve missed out on time with your family and friends, your circadian rhythms are all messed up, and you're just getting a moment to reflect on the past 26 hours and wondering how your patients are doing and if you missed anything. As you try and fall asleep, you remind yourself that at the end of the day, you did your best, you put the needs of many families above your own, and you got to play a small, but meaningful role in supporting the wellbeing of children and families who need it the most." Swipe to see Dr. Coret before and after call.

About 26hr photo project: Photographer Rebecca Hay is a resident physician training in Paediatrics in Calgary. "Physicians commonly work shifts up to 26 hours long—often without breaks or sleep, caring for families and vulnerable people. A lot can happen in that time, both beautiful and exhausting. I started the photo project "26hr" to highlight the human aspect of medicine and the incredible people working these shifts, and to explore their stories and perceptions."

Rebecca is on Instagram as @liferecaptured.