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.