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Have I always wanted to become a doctor? No. Do I regret that decision?
I’d be lying if I say that I do not because occasionally that thought and question does come to mind.
However, being in the medical field for about 7 years now and just started practicing as a junior doctor, I do not see myself doing anything else otherwise. Perhaps because it gives me a sense of direction and purpose and when I’m at work, my mindset is mainly directed to how can I serve better? That and will I be able to complete my active tasks for the day before my shift ends so I can indulge in activities that I enjoy?
Thus, returning to the prompt of alternative career paths. I’ve definitely considered other career options while growing up. For the longest time, I’ve always wanted to be a journalist or a writer. Then, there was a time when I wanted to be an aeronautical engineer or an electrical engineer majoring in power. However, my father discouraged the idea of me pursuing it and eventually, I did not. There was a time when I wanted to be a chef. Then, I wanted to start my own rock band and forfeit going to university and finally, perhaps it’s something that I’ve always wanted but yet to realise till much later was that I wanted to teach.
It brings joy to my day when I actually do have to spend some time educating the patients on their disease, progress or prognosis, or enlightening my parents on certain topics which are medical related, my juniors or my friends, either regarding the job scope or in medicine itself. I simply love to teach and in the process, learn myself.
Albeit the multiple career options that I’ve considered throughout my short 26 years of life, I am still a writer, a chef (to myself, friends and family), an engineer (depends on the posting that I’m currently in, being in Orthopaedics does feel like that sometimes), or an artist (again to myself) and last but not least, a teacher.
Although I’ve not pursued them professionally, it brings joy to my day as these are the little things that I look forward to before going to sleep and after returning from work.
Thus, albeit my mindset, I do not see myself doing anything else. I’m not an ambitious person myself. I merely just want to go about my work and day in a manner that suits me so that I can enjoy my day. Literally, because it is something that I would be doing it for the rest of my life.
Medicine was never meant to be easy and this applies to every career pathways. Thus, perseverance, patience and kindness whilst smiling through the tension, frustrations as well as during the good days. I’ll allow myself to drown sometimes and cry, only to pick myself up and try again the following day, trying to make the best out of my day and life.
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The Theoretical Doctor 