My Story.

The academic foundation that started it all. During my undergraduate years at the University of Toronto, I immersed myself in the world of biochemistry, fascinated by the molecular mechanisms that govern life.

What drew me to biochemistry was the puzzle-solving nature of scientific research. Every experiment was a question, every result a clue. Little did I know that this analytical approach would later become invaluable in clinical medicine.

These formative years taught me discipline, critical thinking, and the importance of evidence-based reasoning—skills that would prove essential throughout my medical career.

After completing my undergraduate degree, I pursued a Master's in Chemistry, diving deeper into research and advanced laboratory techniques. This period was marked by intense focus on organic synthesis and analytical methods.

My research involved exploring novel chemical compounds with potential therapeutic applications. The meticulous nature of this work—designing experiments, troubleshooting failed reactions, celebrating breakthroughs—was incredibly rewarding.

However, as I progressed through my Master's, I began to feel a pull toward something more direct, more human. I loved the science, but I craved the opportunity to apply it in ways that would make an immediate difference in people's lives.

This was the turning point. After years in chemistry labs, I made the decision to pursue medicine—a choice that felt both terrifying and absolutely right. It wasn't about abandoning science; it was about channeling it in a new direction.

The decision came from a growing realization that while I loved research, I needed more human connection in my work. I wanted to solve problems that had names and faces, not just molecular formulas.

Making this pivot meant starting over in many ways. New exams, new applications, a completely different path. But I've never looked back. This was the decision that changed everything.

I began my medical training at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) Bahrain campus. The transition from chemistry to medicine was challenging—learning anatomy, physiology, pathology, and clinical skills felt like drinking from a firehose.

Medical school in Bahrain offered a unique international perspective. I studied alongside students from diverse backgrounds, gaining exposure to different healthcare systems and cultural approaches to medicine.

These years were intense but transformative. From dissection labs to hospital wards, from midnight study sessions to early morning rounds, every experience was shaping the doctor I would become. The foundation laid here would prove invaluable in the years ahead.

After graduating from medical school, I entered the UK Foundation Programme at Oxford University Hospitals. FY1 was my first experience as a qualified doctor—no longer a student observing, but a professional making real decisions.

The learning curve was steep. I rotated through different specialties, from acute medicine to surgery, gaining broad clinical experience. Every shift brought new challenges, new learning opportunities, and new responsibilities.

Oxford provided an incredible training environment—world-class consultants, cutting-edge facilities, and a culture of academic excellence. It was demanding, but it taught me resilience, clinical judgment, and the importance of teamwork in delivering excellent patient care.

FY2 took me to Milton Keynes University Hospital, where I continued building my clinical skills and began to crystallize my career direction. This year was about consolidating my foundation knowledge and preparing for specialty training.

I took on more responsibility, supervised junior colleagues, and began to develop my own clinical style. The diverse patient population and busy acute environment provided excellent training opportunities.

During this time, I also began more actively mentoring medical students and FY1 doctors, sharing the lessons I'd learned and helping them navigate the challenges I'd recently faced. This rekindled my passion for teaching and guidance.

Before starting specialty training, I secured a research fellowship at the University of Oxford's prestigious Nuffield Department of Medicine. This £130k funded position allowed me to pursue cutting-edge research while maintaining clinical skills.

My research focused on women's health, combining my clinical interests with rigorous academic inquiry. Publishing papers, presenting at conferences, and collaborating with leading researchers was intellectually stimulating and career-enhancing.

This experience reinforced the importance of evidence-based practice and gave me insights into how research translates to clinical care. It also demonstrated that non-linear career paths—taking time for research, exploring different interests—can be incredibly valuable.

In August 2024, I secured a highly competitive specialty training position in Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Oxford. This achievement was the culmination of years of preparation, strategic planning, and hard work.

O&G combines everything I love about medicine—complex problem-solving, surgical skills, building relationships with patients, and being part of life's most significant moments. Every day brings variety, challenge, and profound meaning.

Training in Oxford means learning from world leaders in the field while working in a supportive, academically-rich environment. I'm exactly where I want to be, doing exactly what I want to do.

Throughout my journey—from chemistry to medicine, from Canada to Bahrain to the UK—I've learned that the path to a medical career is rarely straightforward. It's full of decisions, applications, interviews, and moments of uncertainty.

I mentor because I remember how daunting it all felt. I remember stressing over personal statements, preparing for interviews, wondering if I was making the right choices. I wish I'd had someone one step ahead to guide me through it.

Now, as an Oxford trainee who's recently navigated the same system you're in, I can offer current, practical, real-world guidance. I'm not looking back from decades in the past—I'm right here, just ahead of you, extending a hand to help you up.

Whether you're choosing medicine, applying to medical school, navigating foundation training, or aiming for specialty positions, I understand the challenges because I've lived them—recently. And I'm here to help you succeed.