Medicine residency can feel like stepping into a storm, and my first day at the emergency department at Aga Khan University Hospital was no exception. The organized chaos, rapid decisions, and relentless alarms were overwhelming. More so because my journey hadn’t been smooth—I had faced rejection the year before. That setback stung, made me question myself, and even led some to suggest another specialty. Yet, I stood there determined not to let rejection define my medicine residency experience.
I’d faced rejection the year before. It stung. It made me question myself. Some even subtly suggested I might be better suited for another specialty. And yet, I stood there—determined not to let that rejection define me.
Growing Through Doubt
Setbacks can either defeat us or drive us. I chose the latter.
Fueled by determination and the quiet conviction that I belonged in emergency medicine, I leaned into the discomfort. I reminded myself of why I chose this path in the first place: to be the calm in someone’s storm, the voice of clarity in the blur of crisis.
Imposter syndrome appeared often, intensified by my earlier rejection. But I didn’t hide from it—I embraced the messiness of growth. I asked questions, practiced procedures long after others left, and sought mentorship from attendings who recognized potential I was still learning to see in myself. Slowly, the whirlwind that once knocked me off balance began to feel like home, shaping my medicine residency journey.
I asked questions—even when I felt I should already know the answers. I practiced procedures long after others had left. I found mentorship in attendings who saw something in me I was still learning to see in myself. Slowly, something shifted. The whirlwind that once knocked me off balance started to feel like home, and I began to embrace the true journey of my medicine residency.
From Learner to Leader
By the time I reached my final year, I had the privilege of serving as chief resident—a role that was equal parts honor and trial by fire. I learned how to lead under pressure, how to advocate for others, and how to keep my team grounded during our toughest shifts.
My clinical skills evolved, but so did my ability to lift others. That year taught me to lead not from certainty, but from empathy, humility, and experience—skills that will guide me throughout my medicine residency and beyond.
Where I’ve Always Belonged
From Rejection to Resilience: Now, as I leave medicine residency behind and step fully into my role as an emergency physician, the badge may have changed—but the mission hasn’t.
This isn’t a new beginning. It’s a return.
A return to the heart of the ER—the place where adrenaline meets purpose. The place where voices still echo, “ER staff and doctors, attend resus room.” The place where I’ve found my calling.
I don’t walk into the emergency department as the unsure intern I once was. I walk in carrying the lessons of rejection, the strength of resilience, and the quiet pride earned throughout my medicine residency, along with every scar along the way.
Because for me, this is more than a job.
This is where I come alive.
If you’re a medical student, resident, or physician navigating your own storm—don’t carry it alone. Share your story, connect with mentors, and join communities that believe in supporting the whole physician. The road is hard, but you don’t have to walk it alone.
Explore more physician voices at StanfordPhysicianAdvocate.org
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