Why I Was Destined to Be a Medical Doctor in Nepal

The unseen forces guiding me to a career in medicine

“When I was in school in Nepal, teachers often asked, ‘What is your aim?’ My reply was swift: ‘I want to be a doctor.’ Then they asked, ‘Why?’ My response was: ‘I want to serve my community.’

However, in reality, I learned that intelligent answer from my father. My dad was a public health officer. I have witnessed him serving the community since my childhood. I was inspired by the appreciation he received from the community because of his work. I wanted to serve my community like him and earn their respect.

During that time, doctors were scarce in the village of Nepal. People had to travel long distances to cities for check-ups. Fortunately, my dad was posted in the village and helped them without needing further transportation.

As I grew up, my interest in the medical field grew. I completed my high school and gained admission to medical college. This achievement filled both me and my family with immense joy.

Soon, I realized that entering the medical field is one thing, but working within this field is another thing, as it demands courage and humility.

Moreover, there is no retirement from it. More importantly, a mistake would not only mean someone’s death, it could also mean someone losing their parents, brother, sister, son, daughter, or a loved one. The fact that my treatment is saving someone’s life provides me with a sense of satisfaction.

Here’s Why the power to distance death from my patients is my most significant achievement.

Death and detachment are two things that we cannot deny. They have infringed upon us since our birth. Medicine has proved that it can slow death by treating diseases.

Therefore, we should join hands to make medical services accessible to everyone regardless of their economic background. Every life is precious, and everyone deserves to live to the fullest.

I don’t have many expectations in life. But sometimes, when I contemplate, I just want to smile, realizing that a person in a distant village is spending quality time with his kids. His smile, his heartbeat, and his happiness have something to do with my hands, my skills, and my knowledge.

People in Nepal, where I live, say doctors are the insights of God. I don’t believe this, nor do I want anyone telling me this. My approach, ethics, and lifestyle are different than public perceptions.

I just want a farmer in the countryside to live a healthy life when I go to serve in that area. I don’t want the children of my nation to die just because they couldn’t access essential medical services. This notion, of course, applies to the altruistic doctors of every other country on earth.

Realistically, of course, just one doctor cannot change the whole scenario of the nation, but it will surely be an additional drop in forming a sea, as the journey of a thousand miles starts with one step.

I want a woman who is about to deliver a child to be able to provide warmth to her child rather than fighting for their life. This delights me and means more than other pleasures in life.

Still, many people in remote villages suffer due to the lack of doctors and poor healthcare infrastructure in my country. It hurts, not just as a doctor but as a human being. I live with constant pain and pleasure.

Being a doctor, I cannot guarantee that I will save every life. But if I or any health personnel were there, we could extend their lives by utilizing locally available resources and tools. This would enable them to remain safe until they receive further treatment in secondary and tertiary-level hospitals.

So, I want to reach such places to give my service and see my people enjoying their lives again with their families.

Maybe that is why I studied medicine; maybe my destiny has defined this for me: to reach those places and serve my people, serve my nation.

Now, I want to share heartfelt messages with aspiring doctors and readers.

Firstly, My Message to Aspiring Doctors

Becoming a doctor involves more than just memorizing textbooks. You need good communication skills, compassion, and the ability to understand and comfort your patients.

Listening to their worries is not just about figuring out their illness; it’s also about giving emotional support. Moreover, it’s essential to build trust and respect their privacy.

Being a medical doctor is a long journey that needs dedication, a desire to keep learning, and staying updated with the latest medical advancements to offer the best care.

As a doctor, you can make a big difference, just like a family physician who listens to their patient’s concerns and guides them through managing chronic conditions.

This kind of care doesn’t just make people healthier; it also takes some pressure off the healthcare system and brings communities closer together. We doctors spend most of our time addressing immediate issues to alleviate the pain and suffering of our patients.

However, ideally, we must change the paradigm, moving from Medicine 2.0 to Health 3.0, as articulated by Dr Mehmet Yildiz. While addressing immediate issues, doctors should also have an opportunity to support preventative measures and educate their patients.

This transformation may require time and substantial investment, but its impact on the next generation will be truly remarkable.

Secondly, My Message for My Wonderful Readers

It’s essential to build a good relationship with your healthcare providers. Your family doctors and specialists are there to help you, so consider them as trusted advisors and friends.

Be sure to share the health concerns you’re experiencing kindly, openly, and honestly without filtering. The information you provide is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment.

Feel free to ask questions, talk about your worries openly, and get involved in your healthcare decisions. They keep your information confidential. The benefits are two-fold — your doctor can provide more personalized care, and you can enjoy better health.

Openly discussing treatment options with your doctor gives you the power to make informed choices for your health improvement.

I wish you all a healthy life. If you have any questions, please ask in the comments section of this story. I’d love to connect with my readers and aspiring doctors and exchange ideas with medical professionals globally. You may connect with me on LinkedIn.

Thank you for reading my story.