I am writing this post for those who are beginning to get involved or in the early phases of research and clinical medicine.
I have been watching The Crown series on Netflix for some time and stumbled upon a quote from Charles Mackay on season 4 episode 2.
“You have no enemies, you say? Alas, my friend, the boast is poor. He who has mingled in the fray of duty that the brave endure, must have made foes. If you have none, small is the work that you have done. You’ve hit no traitor on the hip. You’ve dashed no cup from perjured lip. You’ve never turned the wrong to right. You’ve been a coward in the fight.”
-Charles Mackay
As I heard these, I found myself thinking about a great deal of things. 6 years back, I started medical school with joy and excitement, hoping to do my best. With some luck and lots of perseverance, I am confident that I did my best. This way, I believe and know that I made some enemies along the way.
As years and accomplishments have passed by I saw that not everyone is like my friends who cheer up with the things that I do. I took it hard at the beginning, then I realized this is not about me but themselves. I could even say that having enemies is a part of development without any arguments to support it. Now, I do, with this quote. One must endure having enemies, even cherish them.
We should remind ourselves that we have to interact and work closely with people in clinical medicine and research. If we want to do something worthwhile with our careers, and lives we must act accordingly. We shall expect these challenges and don’t hold back from ourselves to do the things that we enjoy. This may seem like a path to loneliness but I can say that at the end of the path you will see that you are not alone at all, you are with the people. With people that you are safe, for some point.
With that in mind, we should seek out those people, and organisations. You can move forward with them. You can find them online or through your network. This way, you can meet residents, fellows and young PIs. Also, many international organisations have groups for med students, residents and fellows. Be sure to check them out!
I hope that you will gain “enemies”, and they won’t be able to slow you down. Keep going, the future is bright and it is ours to take! Vive la perseverance, vive la future!