It's been a year since I got inducted into the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).
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A journey that began in 2013, having been trying options since 2012 eventually came to an end, 2021, 8years later.
Matriculation ceremony in 2014
When I was in 100L, I was told Medical school in Nigeria was 6+X years, where X could range from few months to years. To me, i thought that only applied to students who had academic issues and with my high self esteem, I'd never be caught in that web.
I had extra faith that the factors beyond my control, e.g., strike actions would not be so much of an impediment.
Little did I know.. It wasn't just strike, COVID came through and that made it worse. Thought I wouldn't get any better but here we are now🤗
A journey of a thousand miles, begins with a step, they say.
This journey was birthed as a child, coming home at the end of every term with a good result, having an Nurse as a favorite Aunt who always helped people and wanting to do same (May her soul keep resting).
My parents keyed in, I mean, who wouldn't want a Doctor in their household? It was the 'in-thing'.
Life happens so fast and Dynamics change.
Having a doctor and being one is still as honorable but the values placed and the corresponding income has dropped since the invention of advanced civilization (this is my own theory).
Being a Tech woman would even gain you more. Just saying.
I definitely have no regrets and would still go this path if asked to restart. And I mean it.
Not to deviate..
Med school taught me that life is truly unpredictable. You could be the best in your secondary school and struggle at a course.
You could have been a distinction candidate in view and of a sudden begin to struggle with passing resits. And of course, you might just be passing with the benchmark and still leave at the exact time you're supposed to with no hassles.
Life happens in so many ways.
It's been almost a year of practicing. I must say, there is satisfaction in meeting needs, providing solutions and giving hope to a seemingly hopeless condition, doing it selflessly, especially for people who can't repay you.
I must also say, in Nigeria, there's no money in medicine. A side hustle is the prerequisite to not getting overwhelmed and depressed. Everyone thinks you have money till they see your bank statement.. very embarrassing 😂
The paramedics are demanding you help them, there are organizations you're committed to, exams to register for, family to fend for and of course, yourself.
Funny how, it's almost a year and I'm just getting around getting a few new dresses. The plan was to earn big and slay.. April fool to me🤣
Regardless, I love the profession and will abide by the oath. I look forward to many more years of doing what I've been trained to do. I'm also working on doing other things I've always loved even before medicine, that has a greater potential of bringing in the mulla, *very important* 🙃
Captured using an iPhone
To mark the continuation of greater things, I'd avail myself more on Hive. A new community to which I'm a part of, #MedHive, has come to stay and I would be sharing medical related stuffs from time to time. You should check it out in the coming days.
I will also be creating podcasts and videos with the aim of educating and motivating Hiveans to improve our health, oral health especially #dentalsurgeon.
I hope you watch this space and thank you for reading to the end.
It's my one year Docversary, get a drink in my name and celebrate with me😊🎉
Paid photograph, during an award session
