I just graduated residency & here's how it feels

14 year marathon, complete.

Yesterday, I crossed the finish line of a 14-year journey. I officially graduated from psychiatry residency. I’m still taking it in.

Ari and I celebrating both being DONE with medical training!!!

My family drove down to Miami to celebrate, and this weekend was one I’ll never forget. It marked the end of a 14 year journey.

Four years of college as a premed at the University of Georgia.
One year working as a waiter, caterer, and Uber driver.
Four years of medical school in Philadelphia.
One year earning my MBA.
And finally, four years of psychiatry residency in Miami.

14 years. Thousands of hours. All leading up to this one moment.

A few days ago, I stumbled across a photo from my first day of school back in 1998. I think even back then, I knew I wanted to be a doctor. I just didn’t know how winding the path would be.

We did it, little Jake.
The secret sauce was simple—hard work, relentless belief in yourself, and a support system that always has your back.
Every dream you have will come true.
It might look different than you imagined.
It might take longer than you planned.
But by the time you’re 32, in 2025, life will surpass even your wildest imagination.
Oh—and you’re going to be a dad. A boy dad.
Now get to school and learn some stuff. And keep holding your backpack like that. It’s hilarious.

I want to say this clearly: I would not be here without my parents. I wouldn’t be a doctor without them. They taught me to believe in myself no matter what, to get back up when I fall, and to never give up. My medical degree and my residency diploma, I owe it to them.

Next week, I’ll be writing to you from San Diego. As a psychiatrist. As a business owner (Goodman Psychiatry incoming). As a soon-to-be father. And as always, as someone who cares deeply about brain health and helping people live better lives.

My wife got me the best graduation gift… PEEP THE GOODMAN PSYCHIATRY LOGO!

I’ll be back with my regular newsletter next week — sharing some fascinating new research in the world of brain and mental health.

There’s a lot to cover:
– A new study linking sleep disorders to an increased risk of dementia (and what we can do now to reduce that risk)
– Creatine supplements being studied in a pilot trial for Alzheimer’s
– AI as a potential tool to combat loneliness
– And, of course, a fresh wave of health misinformation I’m ready to break down and set straight

SAN DIEGO HOUSE UPDATES:

After four years of psychiatry residency, I’m finally stepping into a new chapter: we’ve moved into our dream home in San Diego and I’m officially launching Goodman Psychiatry. With so much change happening all at once, there’s one thing Ari and I decided we had to prioritize right away — sleep.

That’s why we partnered with Nectar and chose their Luxe Hybrid mattress for our bedroom. We were blown away by how comfortable and supportive it is (honestly, it feels like sleeping on a cloud). We also love the adjustable base — the reading mode is perfect for winding down with a book, and the zero gravity mode has been a game changer for feeling weightless and relieving pressure after long days.

The setup was surprisingly easy, and we loved it so much that we even surprised my parents with a mattress in our guest room! As a mental health doctor, I know firsthand how critical quality sleep is for your mood, focus, and overall well-being — and Nectar gets that too.

- 365-night trial

- Forever warranty

- Save Up to 50% here!

If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your sleep, now’s a great time.

Goodman Psychiatry Waitlist is Open 🧑‍⚕️

I’m launching my own integrative psychiatry practice: Goodman Psychiatry.

The waitlist is open:

⚠️ A few quick things:

• I’m only licensed to see patients in California and Florida (for now!)

• It’s a cash-pay practice to allow full flexibility in treatment

• Being on the waitlist doesn’t guarantee a spot, but it does put you first in line when my team reaches out soon to gather more information

I’ll be treating conditions like depression, anxiety, ADHD, insomnia & sleep disorders, trauma related conditions, and so much more—using therapy, medication, nutrition, exercise, sleep strategies, and supplements when appropriate. This clinic is built on zero shame, zero judgment, and a whole lot of hope.

A Brief Thank You

Whether you’ve been with the Mental Health Movement Newsletter since January 2024 or just joined—thank you. Writing this newsletter has been one of the most meaningful parts of my journey, and I’m so grateful to share it with you.

My mission is simple: to make evidence-based mental health education accessible to all. This newsletter is 100% free. For those who choose to donate—thank you. Your support goes directly into making this newsletter the best it can be.

Wishing you balance, health, and peace.
—Dr. Jake Goodman

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Disclaimer: This newsletter is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content is based on evidence-supported research and personal experience, and is not intended to replace professional medical care. Always consult your healthcare provider before beginning new treatments or making changes to your health routine. This newsletter does not establish a doctor–patient relationship. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, we make no guarantees as to the completeness or accuracy of the information presented. Content is general in nature and may not apply to your specific situation. Please note, submitting the intake form for my practice does not guarantee a response from our office. Completion of this form does not establish a client–patient relationship. We will respond to all qualified inquiries as promptly as possible.