28/01/2026
It seems that some younger doctors and medical students see me here as something of a role model. With that in mind, I’d like to share five very simple rules that I try to live by in my professional journey. This hasn’t always been easy or smooth - there have definitely been bumps along the way - but these principles have helped me stay grounded.
1. You already have what it takes.
Being a medical student or a young doctor already means you have the ability to choose almost any direction. Some of us are naturally stronger communicators, others are more hands-on and procedural—but all of these skills are trainable. With time, practice, and effort, you can grow into whatever role you choose.
2. Choose your specialty for the right reasons.
Base your decision on just two things:
a) What you truly enjoy and feel passionate about.
b) What’s best for you and your family in the long run.
You’ll hear countless opinions, but tuning into these two factors usually leads to the right path. Even if it looks longer or harder at first, following your heart and priorities almost always pays off down the line
3. Patients come first—always.
No matter how many tasks are competing for your attention, prioritise the actions that directly help your patients. When in doubt, ask: “What serves them best right now?” That simple question cuts through the noise.
4. Be positive and respectful toward your colleagues.
We all have different interests, come from different backgrounds, and sometimes have different priorities. But we share the same goal: the best possible outcomes for our patients. That common purpose is what unites us. A kind word and mutual respect go a long way in building strong teams.
5. Progress and consistency matter more than perfection.
Life will throw surprises at you - and you won’t always be at 100%. That’s okay. What counts is consistency: small, daily (or weekly) improvements that give you a sense of momentum and those little “wins” that lift your mood. Keep a bigger vision alive—the dream you see when you close your eyes—and let it pull you forward.
Good luck, my medical Friends.
