Victory!
Because God delivers on every one of His promises.
Three years ago I was a burnt out, disillusioned Doctor who had finally had enough.
My exit strategy? Relocate to Mexico and pursue my passion for creativity full-time. I had just completed my first artist residency in Ghana and felt it was time. Until I got an email confirming I had been accepted onto a competitive GP training/Family Med residency programme in London. I had 24 hours to decide: continue my journey as a creative or stay the course in medicine. ‘Dilemma’ is an understatement.
I chose medicine.
Looking back, it might seem like a wild choice. As a multi-hyphenate—Doctor, musician, writer, storyteller—medicine had cost me far more in wellbeing and joy than it had given me. I felt undervalued and overwhelmed in a floundering healthcare system that seemed more focused on service provision than true healing. I often questioned whether I was genuinely helping people in the busy A&E departments I worked in or just going through the motions.
There had to be more.
I entered this profession because I felt called to it but more than that I was drawn to it to help: people. I have huge belief in the power of human connection, community and living with intention. To me, becoming a Doctor had always been synonymous with becoming a healer - a person who could understand (to some extent) the language of human suffering and vulnerability, and could use that knowledge to remedy, prescribe, support and empower: people.
The past three years have been incredibly challenging. There have been moments of doubt, but what I’ve learned about becoming a GP certainly feels closer to the things that drew me to this profession in the first place.
It’s why I am really pleased to share that a week ago I found I’d excelled in the final written exam of my GP training/medical residency. I have never scored this highly in a medical exam of this calibre - and certainly not one that is notoriously difficult. I worked extremely hard for this against some crazy odds, but God came through for me. An exam that I had failed by 1% before, now one that I stand on having conquered. In a year that was so tough with obstacles on every side, El Roi - my matchless God who sees me - restored my joy. He has lifted my head, He has crowned me with glory.
“so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.”
Isaiah 55:11-12 NIV
I serve a God who honours His promises.
As I look forward to the next chapter, I can’t help but wonder what’s next. The possibilities are endless, and I’m curious to see where this path (and my many hats!) takes me. If only the version of me 3 years ago could see me now.
What is God’s next promise for your life? Will you honour Him as you receive it?
Until next time,
Sanaa