As I sat in class I could not help but chuckle along with my fellow students. Our professor Prof Kuru was known for his wit and ability to make even the most mundane topics seem fascinating. However on this particular day he was repeating a phrase that would stay with me forever: You want to be an Orthopaedic Surgeon? I think you should graduate first. That is a very good specialty and you look like you are made for it.
As the laughter died down it was my turn to introduce myself. I took a deep breath stood up straight and declared My name is Opeyemi Odetunde and I would love to be a paediatrician. Prof Kuru’s eyes sparkled with interest as he sized me up. Why did you not consider General Surgery he asked his voice tinged with curiosity. You would make a fine one.
My heart skipped a beat as I inwardly pleaded Blood of Jesus help me out here. But I maintained a calm exterior smiled and replied I just love paediatrics sir. Prof Kuru’s expression softened and he nodded. If you love it then go for it. However you need to be a medical doctor first. His words echoed in my mind a gentle reminder that the journey to becoming a paediatrician would not be easy.
The class was engaging and time flew as we approached our final examinations. Prof Kuru’s parting words still resonate with me today: Keep an open mind and remember that in the end your specialty will choose you not the other way around.
Five months later I was a medical doctor rotating through the department of Paediatrics. Those 12 weeks were a whirlwind of emotions – exhaustion joy and a deep sense of fulfillment. I poured my heart and soul into every patient I met and the stress was worth it.
Interestingly life had other plans. After completing my house job I did not immediately start my residency. Rather I worked as a medical officer in different hospitals attending to patients of all ages. It was a challenging but enlightening experience. I realized that as much as I adored working with children I did not want to be tied down to a single patient for too long.
After completing my NYSC I began my role as a Senior House Officer in the emergency department of a teaching hospital. It was a baptism by fire but I thrived in the fast-paced environment. I discovered that I could pour my heart into my work without getting too attached to my patients. However my heart still belonged to paediatrics. I yearned to work with children and make a difference in their lives.
And then it hit me – what if I could combine my passion for paediatrics with my love for emergency medicine? The search began and a few months later I stumbled upon the perfect fit: Paediatric Emergency Medicine. It was as if the universe had conspired to bring me to this moment. I felt an overwhelming sense of purpose of belonging. Prof Kuru’s words echoed in my mind once more: Your specialty will choose you not the other way around. Paediatric Emergency Medicine had chosen me and I was eager to answer the call.
As I look back on my journey I realize that I am not alone in my struggles. Many of my colleagues have faced similar challenges feeling frustrated and lost as they navigated the complex world of medical specialties. But I have learned that it is okay to take your time to explore different paths and to trust that your passion will ultimately lead you to your destination.
So I ask you – how did you determine what specialty was right for you? Or better still what specialty chose you?
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