Girl Power

“Do not wait for someone else to come and speak for you. It’s you who can change the world.”

Malala Yousafzai

This week was the last week of my pediatric pulmonology rotation, which culminated in yesterday’s regional AMWA conference hosted by friends at my medical school. I’ve been inspired in so many ways and left with several life lessons to remember for the future.

Lesson 1: Take up space. You belong here.

Third year is exciting, yet awkward in many ways. In some situations, there is the time and structure to be able to interview and examine patients, assist with procedures and help in other small ways. In others, particularly in the clinic setting, the pace is fast and preceptors are pulled in so many different directions that it is easier to have students observe the interview and examine the patient together. When I’m able to see patients and be of help, I feel like a valued member of the team and that my contributions are important. I am able to learn through practice and see my skills progress as I work toward becoming a competent physician. In a shadowing role, I’m learning what I can by observing what’s going on around me, while also trying to stay out of the way. These experiences provide different learning opportunities, chances to learn about the art of communication and to see there is so much more to patients than their charts convey.

I do wonder, however, whether that all too common feeling like you are quite literally taking up space in a crowded exam room or that you are wasting precious time practicing your interview skills just serves to perpetuate imposter syndrome. I’m a pretty understanding person and feel like I can adapt to most situations, so I generally just go with the flow. However, if I’m completely honest, there have been times where I’ve felt like I’m in the way and having a student onboard was an inconvenience to preceptors. Hearing the panelists yesterday reminding us loud and clear that we belong here, that we have every right to take up space and demand a seat at the table, felt incredibly validating. Being included in committee meetings or invited to observe a procedure or patient conferences may seem insignificant, but is appreciated more than attendings may recognize. When I have a team to lead and students to mentor in the future, I hope to create an environment where no student feels they are in the way and each team member feels their contributions is valued. Learning and patient care will both be priorities because it is our responsibility as physicians to pass on what we have learned to the next generation.

Lesson 2: Don’t be afraid to ask for something. You are valuable and worth it.

One of the themes yesterday was knowing your value. We are so conditioned to not rock the boat that we don’t ask for what we need. One of the panelists yesterday told this incredible story about how each time her husband’s contract was being renewed and other institutions wanted to recruit him, they would ask for something new. Each time, their requests were granted, even to the point of having her entire medical school education paid for. My grandfather started a business with my dad soon after I was born and one of his sayings was always that anything is for sale if the price is right. Growing up, whenever I would debate whether to ask for something at work or school, my dad would remind me that they worst that could happen is that my answer is no and I go back to doing what I was already doing. Therefore, there’s no harm in trying. Several years ago, my mom took a chance on applying to a job that listed a masters degree as a necessary qualification. She was pleasantly surprised to be offered an interview and then shocked when she was eventually offered the job, despite not fulfilling that requirement. So many women pass on applying for positions they feel unqualified for, whereas men in the same position are more likely to try anyway. There were certainly plenty of research positions I looked at during my gap years that I wouldn’t even bother with because they asked for years of experience I didn’t have. In a few years, when I come to the negotiating table and have the opportunity to make an ask, I will be bold and ask for what I’m worth. I owe myself that much.

Lesson 3: Your goals and values can change over time and that’s ok. A change in course can lead to something new and exciting that will help you grow.

From complete career changes to taking on different roles, there are so many ways to build a career. Yesterday’s speakers have done it all, from practicing as clinical psychologists to making impacts on a global level through various initiatives. It is helpful to be reminded that we aren’t stuck in one place and that there is always room to change and grow. As we go through life, our priorities and goals will necessarily change. There’s nothing wrong with that. Right now, I’m only able to envision myself doing what I came to medical school to learn to do, take care of patients. In the future, I may decide that I want to teach or take on more of a leadership role as a clerkship or residency director. Who knows, maybe I’ll be a dean when I grow up! Having the flexibility to adapt your career to those changing goals is key, as is surrounding yourself with mentors and sponsors who will support and promote you as you grow in your career. I know I’ve mentioned how important mentorship is on several occasions but it truly can’t be overstated. Medicine, like life, is a team sport. You can’t do it on your own. With a squad of friends and family who always have your back and the help of others who have been where you want to go, you can’t go wrong. Chances are, you’ll end up somewhere you ever expected, but it will be so worth it!