A Talk with God in an era of Covid-19

 

Have you ever been in the presence of greatness but realised it too late? 

It wasn't util that the person was no longer around that you understood their role and the capacity in which they somehow managed to bring a sense of understanding to every disagreement, sighted the wrongs, spoke truthfully-calling out injustices, and liars trembled in their presence. Their ability to educate and reform without insult or elevated tone was unmatched.

Now that they are gone, you never grasped their purpose, the lessons they taught, which you now try your hardest to honour their legacy by holding onto the nuggets of wisdom they shared as naturally as their smile. 

What chaos life is and how tumultuous the days are now in their absence. Darkness seems to overpower what little light remains. 

As I stood at my kitchen sink taking advantage of this dizzy-free moment that I was blessed with, I found myself conversing with the Lord. I replayed every day since my birthday in 2020. I relived 152 days in all of 15 minutes. Conversations with patients and nurses, each interaction with the Covid positive patients I had the honour of admitting and caring for, life-saving moments and moments where I wished some patients were able to see more than my masked, gowned stature before their last breath left their body. 

I questioned whether or not what I did was enough. When the fatigue persisted and exhaustion became chronic, I wondered did I act in time in regards to my well-being? After having to make so many adjustments to what would be perceived as basic activities of daily living all because of lingering symptoms I questioned God. What is the lesson? How ill am I? Will I be able to run the distances I once did easily without needing a twelve hour nap afterwards just to have enough energy to shower? Are you seeing this? Persistent, continuous dizziness, palpitations at night, chest discomfort and debilitating fatigue after simple activity (I'm talking 3 sets of 10 elastic band horizontal abduction exercises). 

When will I get some answers that will prove to my naysayers, that this is not anxiety, and I am not depressed. 

It was in this moment my mind was taken to the triumphal entry of Christ, where the Jews were excited that the Messiah came, however they misinterpreted his purpose. They were seeking the Messiah's arrival so that the Roman Empire would be overturn and him to rule. In reality, His coming was to be so much more than a destructor of a present worldly power, but a provider of a wonderful life void of injustices in the future. I wonder if given the chance to be in His physical presence whether or not their focus or ours would be different? Would we be so distracted by the pain we are experiencing now that we want to end, or the promise of living eternally and accepting salvation to ensure we are in the number in the future? 

This was my reminder that hurdles are often necessary for God to complete and perfect the good work He began in me and you; I am just to be still, fret not and to daily cast my concerns at His feet. 

His descension from royalty  to live in sin but not of sin, was so that we would have the perfect example of what it means to daily be in the presence of greatness. 

You see, He was always in His father's presence and that made everything He endured "bearable." 

That was the reminder I needed. Despite it all, whose presence am I engulfed in? Is it my own self-talk or am I diligently seeking divine guidance? 

The Best Ways to Transition Slip and Body Con Dresses

“Fall has always been my favorite season. The time when everything bursts with its last beauty, as if nature had been saving up all year for the grand finale.” ― Lauren DeStefano, Wither

 

SEASONS: A voluntary opportunity for a new beginning. 

Sometimes I wonder what life would be like without a calendar, time or our track of changing seasons. Would we automatically recharge or seek a means of doing so? 

While I lived in the Midwestern U.S.A., I grew to look forward to the change of seasons and loved when fall approached. 

Running outdoors became more enjoyable as the air grew cooler and the leaves graced the canopy with various hues before their finale right before winter; new wildlife immersed while others prepared their nests and burrows for the colder months ahead. Me on the other hand, I found myself evolving creatively in style as I shopped my closet for outfits that could be layered and not just look nice together but was practical and functional as well.   

Temperatures may not be as drastic on this part of the globe, but cooler days still afford the opportunity to dress up minor staples for when the weather permit. 

Here are some simple ways to transition a simple dress from summer to winter or in my case "cooler winds." Hopefully these simple looks can help you to step out of your comfort zone and try new fun pairings with items you already own. 

Easy Ways to Transition Any Dress from Summer to Fall

1. Monochromatic Look

Keeping items within the same colour spectrum for a monochromatic look can take the guess work out of what to wear when layering a dress for the fall. 

Neutral tones afford you the opportunity to layer numerous pieces of varying colours be it a cardigan, sweater, coat or in this instance a cape. 

Choosing a shoe or boot/bootie is also easy as you can keep your colour palette monochromatic throughout wearing the same colour shoe or a colour in the same family. 

For my first look, I decided to pair this dress with my New York & Co turtleneck cape. To keep the look flattering, I took my brown belt and tucked the front part of the cape under the belt for a more defined and intentional fit. If you prefer a more baggy look, you can always let the cape or sweater hang down the front. 

To add a bit more of depth to the look, I added my tan fedora and brown booties with gold detail. 

This look can be worn for an evening out with friends, running errands in the day (if its cold enough) or even a date night with your significant other. 

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Booties | Slip Dress (similar) | Fedora (alternative) | Turtleneck Cape (alternative)

2. Colourblock 

Adding a bold coloured piece on top of your slip dress not only adds depth to your outfit but also drama. For days where an extra layer is needed, the basic denim jacket is the easiest ways to add a colour-blocking element. 

I decided to pair my neutral slip dress with my waist length dark washed denim jacket. For an even more dramatic colour blocking effect, you can pair a longer length  coloured cardigan-a cranberry coloured one for example, or a lightweight multicoloured kimono for a lighter days. 

On days when the weather is chilly, layer on other bold coloured pieces like scarves or even a bright pair of stockings.  

We often think of colour blocking in one piece, but this can be achieved through by choosing simple pieces that work well together as a comprehensive look. Think about adding a beret or fedora, a headband or turban or even one of the more overlooked accessories a bag. 

Booties | Slip Dress (similar) | Denim Jacket | Mustard Bag 

3. Embellishments 

Lately I've been drawn to pearls and pieces with unique appliqués. They have a way of dressing up the most basic pieces and not requiring unnecessary accessories.

Earlier this year, while strolling through the local mall, I found an ivory coloured sweater-very basic-to say the least, on sale for $15.00. I decided to jazz it up a bit by adding faux pearls of various sizes to the front of the sweater. 

I've paired this sweater with paperbag pants, skinny jeans with a pair of white sneakers and even dressed it up a bit with a pair of nude pumps. It's a heavyweight sweater with a chunky look to it. 

The simplest way of utilising this piece, was to pair it with my baby blue body con dress that I found at a local boutique The Velvet Hanger. This dress is such a pretty pale blue colour and it's thicker than most pieces I've seen in stores. The material is lightweight and has some stretch to it and is very comfortable for all day wear. 

For cohesiveness and a bit of contrast I paired this look with my mustard pearled headband and fall booties. 

On colder days or nights, I plan on wearing a thicker pair of stockings, perhaps I may try my hand and add an appliqué to them. 

Make use of any vintage pieces you may have and pair your bodycon dresses with them for a simple summer to fall transitional look. 

Booties | Pearl Sweater (alternative) | Bodycon Dress (alternative) | Mustard Pearl Headband 

If looking for the dress locally, try Body Beautiful or The Velvet Hanger for affordable options. 

4. Prints and Patterns

If your wardrobe is filled with pieces in various prints or patterns, why not pair them with your slip or bodycon dresses and wear them during the fall and winter seasons? 

The easiest way for me to pair a piece with a print is to choose colours that are incorporated in the print or pattern. For example, I started with the baby blue bodycon dress as my base and added my navy blue tropical 3/4 sleeve kimono with it. 

If I wanted to wear this look while running errands throughout the day, I would have paired a small pink crossbody bag with it with a navy bootie or a low top sneaker. 

As my look in the photos are more of an evening out and about look, I anchored it with a navy floppy felt hat and my new fall staple, brown booties with gold accents. 

Bodycon Dress | Tropical Print Kimono | Navy Floppy Hat | Booties

It's so fun to shop your closet to utilise pieces already owned to create new outfits for any season. If you try any of these looks be sure to tag me in your photos over on instagram. I'd love to see what you came up with. 

Are you going to shop your wardrobe this season? What was your favourite look? Let me know in the comments section below. 

"How-To" Series

 

They say a person needs just three things to be truly happy in this world: someone to love, something to do, and something to hope for. - Tom Bodett

The Road to Residency

Tips to Prepare for USMLE Step 1 by Dr. Teoria Murray.

God has truly blessed me with strong, phenomenal, professional young women who are open to sharing their experiences and encouraging others in their journey. Today's post was written by Dr. Teoria Murray; may you find useful tips as you prepare for the USMLE Step 1 exam.

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Tackling the USMLE Step 1- One IMG’s Story

If you are a medical student or graduate anywhere in the world, chances are you have heard of the dreaded United States Medical Licensing Examination. This 3 step hurdle has been known to stir up fear, anxiety and frustration in the hearts of those with the goal of entering a US residency program. As a 2018 graduate of the University of the West Indies in The Bahamas, I was no exception to this rule. After completing medical school and then internship, I set my sights on the Goliath USMLE Step 1 and completed this task (mostly) unscathed. In this post I will share with you the insights I gained in the process so you can hopefully have an easier experience than I did. 

1.     Set clear, realistic goals

Medicine is vast with an estimate of over 120 specialties and subspecialties in the United States. What is the specialty of your dreams? Based on your research and experience thus far, what area do you think you could wake up and still enjoy practicing for decades to come? You may not have a clear frontrunner in mind and that’s okay. Maybe there are two or three that spark a light in you. Do not set a low bar for yourself because of the perceived disadvantage of being an international medical graduate. Look up the average IMG Step 1 score for your target specialty and aim above that. As you take practice tests, track your progress toward this goal. Work towards it. Pray about it. Hang it high in your mind as an achievable goal. 

Source: Charting Outcomes in the Match: International Medical Graduates, Characteristics of International Medical Graduates Who Matched to Their Preferred Specialty in the 2018 Main Residency Match. https://www.nrmp.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Charting-Outcomes-in-the-Match-2018-IMGs.pdf

2.     Create a study schedule

Once you know your goal score, you also need to decide the amount of time you will dedicate to studying. Generally, it is recommended that IMGs spend at least 6-8 months studying for Step 1 for 6-8 hours a day on most days. When I made the decision to take Step 1, I realized that the long days of hospital-based medicine led to exhausted nights and I wouldn’t have the discipline or energy to study like I needed to. This led to the tough decision of taking 5 months away from work for dedicated study. If you can do this, that’s great! However, many persons can’t realistically afford to do so. In that case, study time will have to be structured around your work schedule and other responsibilities. Towards the end of the study period, set aside a dedicated study time for serious review. 

There are lots of study schedules out there than you can adapt to your personal needs and it may take some trial and error to find one that works for you. There are templates for 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months and everything in between. I settled on Cram Fighter’s 4 month schedule because of the time left before my exam at that point, but if I could do it again I would have chosen the 6 month option. You can have a look at some sample schedules here. 

 3.     Choose your resources wisely

The amount of information that’s available to us in the 21^st century can be both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, there’s so much useful information. On the other hand, there’s just SO MUCH useful information. How do you choose? The key isn’t how many resources you use but how well you utilize them. In this case, less really is more (especially since you will likely go through the material multiple times). For Step 1, the core resources are UWORLD, First Aid, and Pathoma (UFAP). To supplement these, I found Sketchy Microbiology and Pharmacology useful. Picmonic is also a good visual aid to cement these concepts. However, take consideration of your learning style as well. If you find yourself to be a more visual learner, you may use online learning systems like AMBOSS, Boards & Beyond or Lecturio to guide you through UFAP. The possibilities are endless, so the best advice I can give here is to CHOOSE EARLY. Then evaluate your decision and decide if changes need to be made but do this within the first weeks of study because changing tactics late in the process can be a costly mistake.

 

4.     Spend more time on weaker areas

Step 1 is divided into the major areas of Anatomy, Behavioral sciences, Biochemistry, Biostatistics and epidemiology, Immunology, Microbiology, Molecular and cell biology, Pathology, Pharmacology, and Physiology, with some genetics and nutrition sprinkled in. We all have those subjects that come easier to us. I would find myself almost enjoying studying behavioral sciences and pathology most days, but other areas of study seemed more painful than pulling teeth. (Biochemistry, I’m looking at you.) This is a discomfort you want to face head on. The subjects that you least enjoy studying and that you score lower on in practice tests are the ones that need your attention. Review them early and often.

5.     Practice, practice, practice

Get UWORLD early in your study period. You may be tempted to wait until you have seen all the information to start practicing exam questions. After all, that’s usually the way most of us did things up until now. You learn the information then practice exam questions when you almost feel ready. Step 1 is a whole different ball game. UWORLD is a useful tool with over 2000 questions and explanations. The questions are very close to those that will appear on the real thing so you want to give yourself time to get comfortable with the question format and the thinking that goes into answering them. The UWORLD subscription also comes with a simulated exam (UWSA) that is a bit shorter than the real thing but can give you a taste of what it will be like. 

You will also want to take NBME exams. These are the closest to the real deal you will see before exam day and tend to approximate your Step 1 score +/- 9 points. It is recommended that you take at least 3 or 4 of these prior to the actual exam as a concrete way of measuring how effective your studying is. If your NBME score 1 month from the big day is still a far cry from your goal, it may be a good idea to postpone your exam and give yourself more time to study.

6.     Take care of your health

As robotic as the rigors of USMLE prep can make you feel, you aren’t a machine. You will still need sunshine, fresh air, water, exercise, and some social interaction. In the era of COVID-19 this may take some creativity, but a healthy body, mind and soul will go a long way in boosting your productivity. Set fixed times for study and stick to them, without multitasking. Schedule study breaks and take them. Eat healthy foods that can fuel your brain whenever possible instead of junk food that can make your brain feel foggy. Don’t use caffeine as a substitute for sleep. This is a marathon not a sprint and you don’t want to burn out. Do things you love. Stay in touch with your loved ones. Read a book or watch a show that has nothing to do with medicine, even if only for 30 minutes every day. 

7.     Give yourself grace

Preparing for and passing the USMLE is taxing. Some days you won’t feel like studying. Study anyway. Some days you won’t meet all of your goals. You may score lower than you expected on a UWORLD question block. Your NBMEs may be less than stellar. You may doubt yourself, your abilities, your goals, your calling, and all the signs that led you to believe you were on the right path. Don’t beat yourself up. Take a deep breath. Stretch. Pray. Reach out to someone you know is always in your corner for a pep talk. Talk things through with other colleagues preparing for the exam or who have taken it recently. But whatever you do, don’t give up. You already know that you are capable of amazing things. God has brought you this far and it’s only up from here. So keep pushing and at the top of this mountain, when you realize it was all worth it, reach back and encourage those still climbing. 

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Dr. Murray is a recent graduate of the University of the West Indies, currently practicing medicine in The Bahamas. Feel free to post your comments below if you would like to hear more from here in reference to the USMLE Step 1 examination. 

Wedding Series | Part 2

“So it's not gonna be easy. It's going to be really hard; we're gonna have to work at this everyday, but I want to do that because I want you. I want all of you, forever, everyday. You and me... everyday.” 
― Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook

From Furnace to Palace

“The greatest breakthroughs happen in the most difficult of times. Expect, believe, and receive it.” 
― Jeanette Coron

The last five months have been interesting, to say the least.

I've gotten married. I've relocated to another island. I've taken on a new role. I've slept in a tent while on call. I've worked without a salary. I've worked a 24+ hour shift while receiving treatment for my own ailments. I've sat and cried and questioned God because, despite all of this, nothing appeared to be going right.

During the last five months, I have never experienced so much frustration and anger. My body through pain tried to get my attention and foolishly I ignored it. Pain is our body's way of drawing light to a problem that is brewing. We are programmed to work through it or to dampen this response with analgesia so we can work more. Well, my body had enough. It is now during this time of rest and healing and also waiting that I decided to spend more time in the word since I've also become prone to neglecting my personal alone time with God.

After disturbing text messages and in light of what seems to be a hopeless situation (the state of healthcare in The Bahamas), I found myself drawing comparisons between my current situation and that of Daniel and his friends. This opened my eyes to the promise of breakthroughs after trials.

As the world is now experiencing a crisis, it is becoming more evident the importance of knowing that this is not the end. There is life after death, and that life can be ours if we accept the gift of Jesus Christ.

Regardless of everything I've endured thus far, I am reminded that during our time of sufferings and tribulations we are to know that 'suffering produces perseverance; perseverance character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.' (Romans 5:3-5)

So friends, during this time of health crisis, recommit your lives to Christ and find comfort in knowing heaven is our ultimate goal and Christ is offering it to us once we're willing to obey his laws.

Wedding Series | Part 1

“When God calls you to marry, He gives you a spouse who, by divine design, will complete you. Together you will be stronger and more effective than when you were apart.” 
― David Boehi, Preparing for Marriage: Discover God's Plan for a Lifetime of Love

Distance in Marriage

“Missing someone can hurt. But when you know they are yours forever, negativity it helps avert.” ― Trishna Damodar

Looking back, I can't say that I was like most young girls who dreamt of a white fairytale wedding; who saw themselves in a wedding gown and envisioned every detail down to the style of shoe and beadings on their veil. Me, I was dreaming of how to be a pirate (yes, you read that right) after hours playing in my grandfather's yard, atop lumber and sitting on the highest limb of the mango tree that took root in the centre of the pile, with my feet dangling below as my eyeball pierced through my make-shift telescope, I wanted to be a pirate like all the one's I learnt of during my Social Studies lessons.

I dreamt of many things. Becoming an author, a veterinarian, a world-renowned chef who served the meanest burger with a scarlet/hog-plum glaze that was to die for. So imagine how I must have felt after not having some dream to draw inspiration from after my engagement last year. I was ECSTATIC! to say the least; I got to dream of how I wanted my wedding to be and to share in the planning experience with the love of my life. The process was fun, challenging and amazing and the day was nothing short of a fairytale.

Now that we've been married for a month, we have been dealing with our first challenge. Just like everything else in my life-far from traditional-I find myself writing this tearful because I'm missing my husband. The week before our wedding, Abaco and Grand Bahama experienced the monster storm Dorian. That was the first challenge. Talk about a faith builder. I'll discuss more of this in a subsequent post. But it was truly a test that I believe prepared A and myself for what was to come next.

For most persons,  things appear to fall into place instantly post wedding day; you know, fly away to the lovely honeymoon, return to a cozy residence and commence life as newlyweds with all of the challenges that come with that. For me however, distance now stands between us, and our honeymoon has been delayed.  But we're delighted in the fact that God remained faithful through it all.

Distance isn't something that we're new to. Far from it, but this for some reason is now different. The longing to be together more than ever, to experience new eateries, sunsets, day trips and grocery shopping (yeah we're cheesy that way) are just more pressing. Maybe it's because I'm more aware of my age now or maybe because of hurricane Dorian and the fact that time is short and spending as much time with those we love while we can is vital.

 It's times when trials arise and we're apart facing the giants together through prayer, countless video and voice calls, texts and even emails that I'm reassured that things will work out how they're supposed to when they're supposed, and then it hits me; "Remember when you prayed for patience and lessons that will help with my transformation into a more patient, virtuous woman," hmmm...now, I'm learning to be sure to add a disclaimer with my prayers "whatever way you see fit to teach me this lesson, make me strong to endure the test."

Although, I'm tearful, I'm also comforted in knowing that I'm not alone during this time. My family has been so supportive. As curious and concerned as everyone is as to when we'll both be in once place comfortably, it's annoying and irritating because WE DON'T KNOW! and sometimes not knowing is okay. It strengthens our faith because now our next move is solely dependant upon God's guidance.

I would be lying if I were to say we're fine; because we're not. We're wanting to be together more than ever, but we're doing our best to make the most of our current situation because this IS NOT permanent. It's exciting to know that there are options however daunting they may be, but we must be patient. This is the lesson and we're learning to be just that.


Are you facing a challenge or difficulty as a newlywed? Have you experienced long-distance at any point in your marriage? How did you cope? I'd be glad to hear your story, if you're willing to share. 

There will be future posts related to my wedding and how we planned it during my internship years and all the do's and don'ts I picked up along the way. Be sure to sign up for email notifications if you haven't done so already.

Called to Succeed

“He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how.” ― Friedrich Nietzsche

Recently I've found myself in an unusual position-STUCK IN LIMBO! As this process is unfolding and teaching me patience, I am caught continuously asking myself "Cara, what is it that God is calling you to do in this season?"

As a not so new medical school graduate, working on a research project and waiting for the next move, I am surprised at the existence of such a mediocre, backward-thinking healthcare system that is sadly, crumbling from the top down. Can you picture the travesty? It is under these working conditions over the last year that I have found myself more compelled to re-evaluate my calling and the path to get there.

My mind finds its way to this quarter's Sabbath school lesson-exploring the lives of Ezra and Nehemiah and how God called each man to a specific task and how they responded. Prior to this, each man had to do several things in order to succeed at their calling.

Preparing For Your Calling

1. PREPARATION

Ezra 7:10: Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Lord prior to embarking on his calling. This is vital in any avenue of life. By preparing our hearts we not only dedicate ourselves to the task at hand, but we mentally prepare ourselves to whatever it takes to execute it. Seeking the Lord before any task is always important, as the best council we can receive is that from the Lord, for He knows the plans He has for our lives; he wants to be apart of all of our decisions because He wants nothing more for us than to see us succeed. 

2. FAST & PRAY

Nehemiah 1:1-11: Fasting is something I am still getting use to. It seems that the minute your mind is made up to fast and pray so that you would be able to hear God speak, is when you have everything in the world to do and there's everything you were craving now at your finger tips. 

There are all sorts of material on how to fast and the different types of fasts that you can do, but the best way is to start small. Fasting from social media for a certain amount of time each day or each evening, or to refrain from consuming certain drinks or food products until you're able to do full day fasts. 

The benefits of fasting are extensive, but as we can see from the story of Nehemiah, when he fasted and prayed, he made all of his requests known to God and he not only made God aware of his plans, but he petitioned the throne of grace on behalf of the brethren and repented of his sins. He also brought before God, all of the promises and held Him to His word. From this, it is important for us to practice this type of praying especially when we are on the verge of answering God's calling. 

Make God aware that you are willing, and you are going to hold him to His promises of never leaving your side through the journey. 

3. STICK TO THE TIMELINE

Daniel 9:24-27: Be sure to dedicate time to conquering the task at hand. This not only hold you accountable but it ensures you are not distracted and not a victim of procrastination. 

In this chapter of Daniel, there was a time to finish transgression and a time to make an end of sins and repent. Very serious stuff! We can see that when we are called to a task, regardless of what it is, the time we commit to getting it done, especially once it is brought before God is no laughing matter. 

I can recall the moment like it was yesterday when I received my admission letter to medical school. The degree would take 5 years of my life. Immediately my mind began racing, trying to map out how I would finance it all and whether or not I would be able to complete it in the 5 years required. Before announcing to my family, after my shift ended and on my drive home that night from work, I began to speak to God. God, this is it. You made this possible. I am dedicating the next 5 years to completing this degree, no more and no less. Make it happen, provide financially, physically, emotionally and spiritually like I know only you can. If this wasn't in your plan I know you wouldn't have answered my prayer. 

Needless to say, He kept his promise and provided. Was it all a bed of roses and filled with luxurious trips around the world on breaks? Not at all. It was a rollercoaster. The one where it feels like you're ready for it until you reach the pinnacle and on the verge of a monstrous drop that goes on for more than a minute. I faced all sorts of tests. Tests of defect, rejection, isolation, depression and of course contemplated throwing in the towel more times than I could count. But the timeline was set and the goal was to complete it and by God's power I made it. 

Setting a timeline and sticking to it, results in increased productivity because you become dedicated to getting it done and you then become free to new callings once the goal is met. 

4. BE AWARE OF OPPOSITION & OPEN TO CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM

Daniel 8:1-27: While we are succeeding in our calling, opposition will come. You will feel as though you're a bunching bag for an MMA fighter. This should be expected. Don't dwell on it. Continue in your calling the best you can. 

There will be persons placed along your journey who will provide sound wisdom and constructive criticism to help in your calling. Seek discernment to know the difference, otherwise you'll be like a fool, taking advice from anyone with a mouth and an opinion. 

5. KNOW THAT ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD

Romans 8: 28-29: Remain grounded and keep your plan before the Lord and as you work your plan, be encouraged because all things do work together. Of course it will require dedication, commitment and lots of humility, but with consistency and steadfastness, you will see God work things out for your good! 

In addition to the aforementioned, the lesson brought home the following points for me: 

1. Sometimes our calling is NOT a bed of roses.  God may prepare us for our calling through education or experiences, we must be up to whatever means He chooses. 

2. The reason we are called may be due to our willingness and humility. Are you finding yourself stuck in a rut, not experiencing new challenges? Have you checked your relationship with God recently? Re-evaluation helps ensure we are growing with Christ. 

3. No matter the calling, if we are not willing or humble we may very well miss out on the reward. There will be something that distracts us, keeps us depressed and unmotivated and further away from success until we find ourselves looking to ourselves for ways to succeed which as we all know leads to failure in one way or another at some point or another. 

Ezra and Nehemiah's calling was to a) rebuild the temple, b) to teach the people about God and c) to guide them back to a committed relationship with Him. As Christians, b) and c) are automatic callings. It's not always easy to know what we are being called to do, but it does get easier the more we spend time adjusting our schedule to give ourselves time to learn God's voice through daily communion with Him. 

In what ways have you experienced the reality that God is calling you? Have you been answering or running away from your calling? 

Internship Secrets: Bahamas Edition

“The average person will never help you become better than them on purpose.” 
― Mokokoma Mokhonoana

After years of dedication and commitment to completion of a medical degree, most new doctors look forward to their internship year. Why? Well for most it's more than a rite of passage, it is a means of achieving new goals and becoming one step closer to their ultimate goal of consultancy, financial freedom and the ability to practice medicine in the private sector where they can set their own hours and enjoy a better means of life.

Most of you may be ignorant to the fact that in the Caribbean, internship year is not necessarily considered as a year filled with personal and career growth, but more of a year of misery, disrespect and dreaded belittling.

In the Bahamas, there is one public hospital on the island of New Providence; The Princess Margaret Hospital. Over the last decade the internship program has seen many changes which hospital administration and past and present Ministers of Health have mandated. There has been implementation of rankings which means that as a graduate of the University of The West Indies, you are no longer automatically given a spot in the internship program, regardless of the fact that the government financed your tuition for the last 5 years.  Imagine the frustration.

Recently, the Bahamas Doctor's Union utilised their strike vote, which allowed all Junior Physicians to leave the hospital grounds until matters were resolved. You can read more about it here.  So as a new physician, looking to work in the Bahamian system, find below an outline of what to expect as it's not always a bed of roses in paradise.

Everything, everyone failed to mention about Internship Year in The Bahamas

1. Application Process

Prior to the start of internship year, everyone seeking employment as an intern (also known as a House Officer) at the Princess Margaret Hospital which falls under the Public Hospital Authority (PHA)Unit, is required to fill out an application which can be obtained from the Hospital Administrators office or the PHA Corporate office or online here. It would be in your best interest to keep a copy for your records as paper documents often are misplaced. 

2. Duration of Internship

The internship program runs for one year starting in July of each year. It is broken down into three month increments and divided over the four core specialty rotations; Internal Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Paediatrics. 

The incoming internship group is divided into an even number of persons which would allow for ten persons to be allotted to each specialty for the designated timeframe. Last year was the first year where it was mandatory for two persons of each group to complete their rotation in the sister hospital on the island of Grand Bahama, at the Rand Hospital. Prior to this, an intern could request to complete a number of their rotations at the sister hospital. 

3. Purpose of Internship

Have you ever wondered where the term "intern" originate from? After performing a very superficial Google search, I found that it originated from the medical community. It was a term given to a doctor who held a medical degree but lacked a medical license prior to World War I.

It was then adopted by other professions and each profession tailored the purpose to suit the demands.

During our orientation week, we were informed that the sole purpose of the internship year was to gain clinical competence in the care of the adult/paediatric patient, with the "patient" being the curriculum.

Despite it feeling like everything but this, make it your duty, to learn guidelines and standard of care medicine even if it is not practiced. At the end of the day, successful completion of each specialties exam and gaining your internship completion certificate if the overall goal and your purpose.

4. Work Hours

Trust me here, as an intern your work week will equate to more than 40 hours. They will paint the lovely picture that your days is to commence at 8a.m. and end at 4 p.m. unless on calls. 

You will learn that you get to leave when your Senior House Officer or the team/service you are on no longer has work for you to do. Some areas and persons understand the meaning of teamwork and will ensure everyone has at least one day off per week, and that everyone leaves in a timely manner each day. Pray to work with those people! It will make learning material fun and interesting and will allow you time to read around your patients to have engaging discussions on consultant rounds. 

5. The System

The system is not one that is set in place to help you grow. I never thought I would be writing such a post but sadly, this is the reality. 

After working here, wanting to help my fellow Bahamians, the health-care system is deplorable. You will be frustrated, you will be exhausted and you will find yourself on your knees daily in intercessory prayer for your patients because there is so much that can be done but isn't and in the eyes of administration you're just an intern. 

In light of all of this, do your best to keep your personal development at the forefront. Please don't get buried in the system. It lasts but a year and before you know it you will be done with it. 

If you can afford to do so, make plans to sit the necessary board examinations prior to your final year in medical school (and yes you do have time). You won't regret it. 

Are you a new graduate? an intern? taking time off before internship? Let me hear from you. How's your journey been thus far? 

Rotation Essentials: RMH Edition

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” ― Benjamin Franklin

I'm still in awe, how quickly a new year began. The first month is practically over and before we know it, another year will be rung in. With new beginnings comes new resolutions and the feeling of wanting to be better, wanting to improve ourselves and to finally get our lives together-as a colleague of mine would say. So today's post will touch on preparation. 

I am definitely big on preparation even for the smallest of things, so I surprised everyone including myself when I hadn't packed for my out of town rotation the 'normal' two weeks before. I'll share how I'm regretting that but still managed to make the most of it. 

Just some background for those who may not be familiar with the medical internship rotations here in The Bahamas. Our internship program runs for a year, from July-July. It usually starts the month following the University's graduation date. There are four major specialty rotations which each has their own set of requirements for completion in order to be eligible to apply for a Senior House Officer position at the end of the year. 

The major specialty rotations are inclusive of Paediatrics, Internal Medicine, Surgery and Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Each rotation spans a three month timeframe with an examination at the end. Depending on the schedule you may find yourself at the Rand Memorial Hospital, the sister hospital on the island of Grand Bahama. All rotations with the exception of the Surgery rotation are for three months on Grand Bahama, for surgery it is split into two six-weeks period. 

So now for the important stuff. As the hospital is by far smaller than the Princess Margaret Hospital in New Providence, it allows for more hands-on opportunities and one-on-one teaching if you take advantage of it. Depending on the specialty your calls may be one in four, five or six. 

The island is more slow paced than Nassau, however the hospital is a revolving door for everything, so you won't be sitting around twiddling your thumbs.  

Freeport Essentials 101

1. Transportation is Limited

It's no secret that the transportation system in The Bahamas is lacking, on the islands of The Bahamas, they're practically non-existent or non-existent the further down the chain you venture. Hence, putting your car on the boat and having it brought over would allow you unlimited freedom to explore the island when your schedule permits. 

For some this may not be cost effective if you're only there for a maximum of six weeks, but it all depends on whether or not you can handle the unreliability of the transport system. 

2. Prepare to Spend

With its close proximity to the United States, one would think the cost of living here would be a little less expensive than it really is. Consider bulk/wholesale purchases for your stay here as it will be less expensive than purchasing fast food every day and gaining weight that you would not have wanted. 

There is a Cost-Right on the island that is similar to Cost-co or Sam's Club in the U.S. There are some local farmer's markets on the island but you'll have to be sure to ask the locals or pay attention to the advertisements to find out when they will be popping up. 

3. Exploration is Essential

There is so much to do from shopping at the stores in Port Lucaya, to venturing down to West End for the famous pancakes and fried fish that it would be a crying shame if you allowed work to consume all of your time. 

While exploring Port Lucaya, be sure to visit Bootlegger's Chocolate Shop if you're interested in trying out new flavours of chocolate made in The Bahamas. You won't be disappointed. 

If you're interested in sports or land adventures, there is a local tour group that offer ATV tours! 

4. Pack for chilly weather!

I had no idea how different the weather was in Freeport, compared to other parts of The Bahamas especially Nassau. The worse thing I did was to pack one sweater, which was more like a windbreaker than a sweater. The weather changes often and whatever the weather is like across the ocean, we're sure likely to get remnants of it here as well-more often than not, unexpectantly. 

5. Be vigilant! 

Like any new experience, or when visiting a new place, always be vigilant. In Freeport, since the last hurricane, the lampposts and road lights haven't been repaired so driving after hours can be difficult if you're not familiar with the area. Road traffic accidents are high, and the last thing you'd want to do is to find yourself hospitalised. 

This post has been long overdue, and I wished I had stayed on track and finished it during my 6 weeks in Freeport. Overall the experience was life-changing. I met some really wonderful people and it gave me a new outlook on embracing new beginnings. I hope you come and visit.