My passion for psychiatry remains unwavering

My journey into psychiatry was neither conventional nor predetermined. Born and raised in Bangladesh, I grew up in a society where cultural expectations for women were often restrictive.  

The traditional norms around me dictated that girls either marry young or, if they were fortunate enough to complete their education, they were discouraged from seeking careers outside the home.  

Despite this environment, I was determined from a very young age to pursue a path that I felt was my calling: becoming a doctor.  

The inspiration for this ambition came from my uncle, a highly respected cardiac surgeon whose dedication to his profession deeply influenced me.  

From the beginning, I was unwavering in my desire to follow his footsteps into medicine, and though many of my peers found my aspirations unrealistic, my family supported me because they saw my passion and drive.  

While studying at Sir Salimullah Medical College, one of Bangladesh's most prestigious institutions, I realised that my true passion lay not in cardiac surgery but in psychiatry.  

The seeds of my interest in mental health had been planted much earlier, during my childhood, when mental illness touched my own family.  

One of my uncles was diagnosed with schizophrenia, and several of my cousins struggled with intellectual disabilities, autism, and substance use disorders.  

Unfortunately, the stigma surrounding mental health in our community was enormous. Conditions like schizophrenia and addiction were seen as moral failings rather than illnesses, and family members were labeled "crazy" or "bad."  

This refusal to accept the biological and psychological roots of mental illness prevented my uncle from complying with his treatment, which eventually led to his death.  

Another cousin succumbed to complications related to opioid withdrawal, highlighting the devastating consequences of untreated mental health conditions.  

These personal experiences ignited in me a deep desire to address the mental health crisis in communities like mine, where stigma, ignorance, and lack of understanding caused untold suffering. 

During my medical training, I witnessed the same neglect of mental health that had affected my family. In the busy wards of Sir Salimullah Medical College and Mitford Hospital, I saw firsthand the prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities among patients.  

Yet, the focus in healthcare remained overwhelmingly on physical ailments, with psychiatric conditions often going unrecognized, untreated, or misdiagnosed.  

I saw how untreated mental health disorders could derail a patient’s recovery and impact their overall quality of life. This experience confirmed my commitment to psychiatry, and I knew I wanted to seek specialized training in the field to provide more comprehensive and holistic care to my patients. 

In pursuit of this goal, I made the decision to immigrate to Canada, a country renowned for its high standards in psychiatric education and care. However, my journey to becoming a psychiatrist was far from straightforward.  

Without a medical licence to practise immediately upon arrival, I began preparing for the Medical Council of Canada’s licensing exams, which I completed successfully.  

Despite this achievement, I faced significant obstacles in securing a psychiatry training post due to the limited positions available for internationally trained graduates (IMGs).  

I spent several years working in research while continuing to apply for training programs, but success was elusive. It was during this time that a friend suggested I explore training opportunities in the UK, which offered more accessible pathways for IMGs like myself. 

In 2019, I moved to the UK, beginning my career as a clinical fellow in psychiatry. Although the role was non-training, I was fortunate to have both a clinical supervisor (CS) and an educational supervisor (ES) who provided invaluable guidance and support.  

They helped me enhance my portfolio, positioning me for future training opportunities. In 2020, I secured a core training post in psychiatry, but this new chapter coincided with an exceptionally difficult time in my life.  

The COVID-19 pandemic was just beginning to sweep across the world, and like many others, I faced immense personal loss. During this period, both my mother-in-law and father-in-law passed away, and I experienced multiple miscarriages. The emotional toll of these losses was overwhelming, and I feared I might not be able to continue my training.  

However, the unwavering support of my employer, colleagues, and supervisors helped me persevere, and in August 2020, I began my core training. 

Despite these challenges, I remained focused on my goal of becoming a psychiatrist and began preparing for the MRCPsych exams. My journey was not without setbacks—I failed Paper B twice, narrowly missing the passing mark. The second failure occurred on the day I suffered another miscarriage.  

Yet, despite these heartbreaking challenges, I chose to push forward, declining offers from my training program director (TPD), CS, and ES to take a break. Their support, combined with my determination, allowed me to complete my core training and earn my MRCPsych qualification in 2023, a milestone that felt like a culmination of years of hard work, resilience, and personal growth.  

I believe psychiatry offers a unique opportunity to make a deeply personal and meaningful impact on patients' lives.

From a young age, I had developed the skills of being a good listener and offering thoughtful advice, qualities that became essential tools in my medical practice.  

Psychiatry allows me to connect with patients on a profound level, building trust and rapport that is crucial for effective treatment.

My four years of independent practice in Bangladesh taught me the importance of patient-centered care and how to gain the trust necessary for long-term recovery.

Through my postgraduate training, I further honed my ability to perform thorough assessments while working within a multidisciplinary team to provide holistic care. 

One of the qualities I value most in myself is resilience. I have faced significant personal and professional challenges throughout my life, from navigating cultural transitions during my time in Canada to enduring personal loss while pursuing my career in the UK.  

Each challenge has taught me valuable lessons, deepened my empathy for others, and enhanced my ability to provide compassionate, patient-centered care.

Understanding a patient's unique social and cultural background is critical in psychiatry, and my own diverse experiences have been instrumental in helping me connect with patients from all walks of life. 

Substance misuse is a field of psychiatry that has always been especially close to my heart. Having lost loved ones to addiction, I have witnessed firsthand the devastation that untreated substance use disorders can cause. These personal losses have fueled my passion for working in this area, and I am committed to specializing in substance misuse to help prevent similar tragedies in other families. 

Looking ahead, my long-term goal is to become a consultant in adult psychiatry with a focus on substance misuse. I am determined to continue advancing in my career, welcoming every challenge as an opportunity for growth.  

Most importantly, I strive to make a meaningful contribution to the lives of my patients, my community, and the broader field of psychiatry. The journey may have been difficult, but my passion for psychiatry remains unwavering, and I am excited about the future that lies ahead."