Finally a doctor..what next?

It is a well known fact that previously in Nigeria, there were only three major professions; according to Nigerian parents. Doctor, Lawyer, Engineer. Saying something contrary to that was tantamount to being unserious then.

A lot of people therefore found themselves in medicine because…well, they were always at the top of their class in primary school and because Daddy said to do the prestigious course. While most people later settled well into the course, some consistently felt like fishes out of water and never really fit in. I think I’m one of those that would probably have done better with a creative/art related course but thankfully, I’ve also never regretted my decision to become a doctor. Largely because medical school was fun and I had the best friends but also because I became exactly what I’ve always dreamt of. A dermatologist.

Which brings me to the crux of this post. You’ve finished medical school and you’re a young doctor still trying to find your feet. The worst decision you probably can make is to end up in a specialty that you have no love for. That you decided to do because you don’t like ‘stress’.

Whether you’re home or you’ve ‘japaed’ to the abroad; as long as you’re still a practicing doctor…one of the most important decisions you’ll have to take is what you decide to do after medical school. You’ve basked in the euphoria of becoming a doctor. People are hailing you.. ‘Doki!’.

It is time to be deliberate and intentional about your life. Are you cut out for clinical medicine or do you think you’re better off in health policy and planning, health economics, public health and so on? Do you want to become a surgeon (and not because you think it will make you more respected) or you think you’re better off as a paediatrician (even if people keep telling you it’s a female dominated specialty) or you would make a fine gynecologist (not because you were the best at repairing episiotomies during house job) because you truly have love for it?

Do you want to become the next ‘small doctor’ or probably ‘big doctor’ giving us hit music because that’s what you’ve always wanted? Do you think you have it in you to become the next Picasso?

Are you going into a specialty because you think the consultants are nice but you have no flair for it at all? Big mistake. You only have a few years for residency. After that, once you’re done, its you and that path that you’ve taken. You’re not going to work with these people forever. No matter how difficult people are, there’s always a way to get around them if only you take your time and find your people management skills.

Never go into a specialty because you think its easy. You might be shocked to learn that it’s not as easy as it looks on the outside. If you actually have love for something, even on days when its difficult….you’ll still find that you’ll excel in it simply because of the passion.

I remember when I passed my part 1 exam. I had consultants trying to poach me into their respective units. There was never a doubt in my mind what I wanted to do though. Right from my 400level…I always knew I wanted to be a dermatologist even when I didn’t know what it meant. Even when I was told ‘Why such a mediocre specialty?’ It didn’t deter me. Mediocrity can only happen if you tolerate it. I was lucky enough to get great mentors early on in my career that have made my path easy. I daresay that I’m on my way to becoming an even more fantastic dermatologist. And here’s a little secret…even when I have any personal issues, once I’m doing dermatology work…everything feels right.

Dear young doctor, have mentors that you can relate with. Mentors that will not be afraid to sit back and let you take the spotlight because they know that your success is a reflection of theirs. Be careful when choosing mentors….we tend to become like the people who mentor us. Is your mentor worthy of emulation?

Medicine can be suffocating and it is a jealous lover. Make time for things that are important. Have great family relationships, cultivate your good friendships and find something that you enjoy doing apart from medicine. Take a huge breath and relax when you get overwhelmed with everything. You’ve come this far….and you will succeed. Take it easy on yourself, celebrate your wins and don’t dwell on your losses….one day at a time and with baby those baby steps.. you’ll get there.

One last thing…no pressure. Don’t let social media deceive you. We all have our struggles. And we’re all important in the circle of life.

Any questions?