While visiting my Family Farm, I found a picture that had been on my mind for some time. It was a picture of me playing my favorite game in first grade: Doctor. I asked for a life-size doll and a medical kit to more accurately play the future role of a medical professional. I recall knowing two things without hesitation: first, God was all around us, and second, I wanted to be a doctor.
Seven years later, during a conversation with my mother’s doctor, my childhood dreams clashed with societal expectations. When asked about my future aspirations, I confidently declared my ambition to become a pediatric cardiologist. Yet, the doctor responded with a jarring reminder of the gender biases ingrained in our society. “But you’re a girl,” he remarked, suggesting that nursing was a more suitable path. At that moment, I refused to conform, challenging his narrow-mindedness with unwavering determination.
Little did I know, this encounter was just the beginning of a journey fraught with challenges to my principles and ethics. As a hospital social worker, I found myself in confrontations with physicians who wielded their power callously. One incident stands out, where a male doctor, enraged by my refusal to provide unnecessary medication to a wealthy patient, lashed out at me, accusing me of incompetence. Despite the intimidation, I remained steadfast, refusing to enable unethical behavior.
However, my defiance came at a cost. The toxic cycle persisted despite voicing my concerns to my superiors, leaving me disillusioned and drained. It became clear that systemic change was necessary to protect healthcare professionals’ integrity and patients’ well-being.
Over the course of two decades, I navigated the complexities of the healthcare system, facing moral dilemmas and advocating for myself and my colleagues. Each challenge strengthened my resolve, leading me to a pivotal moment of realization: it was time to extend a helping hand to others facing similar struggles.
With this mission in mind, Nautilus embarks on a new venture into the realm of education. Our upcoming webinar, ” Resilience in Healthcare: Navigating Moral Injury & Burnout,” aims to support and guide healthcare professionals grappling with ethical dilemmas and emotional exhaustion. It is a testament to our commitment to fostering resilience and empowering individuals to stand up for their principles.
Reflecting on my journey from a determined child playing doctor to a resilient advocate for healthcare workers, I am reminded of the power of perseverance and the importance of staying true to oneself. Together, we can create a healthcare system rooted in integrity and compassion.