Becoming a Doctor: Family, Patients, and Personal Growth

In just two days, I will become a doctor. Writing those words out truly gives me all the feels. I…will…become…a…doctor! When I was a care-free four-year-old in Barbados, my pastor prophesied that I would become a physician. At the time, I didn’t take much stock in what he said. After all, I was a four-year-old focused on my latest coloring masterpiece in church. However, his words stayed with me, such that whenever little Atasha was asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, the answer was always, “I’m going to be a doctor.” Fast forward 20+ years, and…

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My One Year Blogging Anniversary

I don’t know about you guys, but I’m absolutely SHOOK that it’s been a WHOLE YEAR since I started blogging! I started blogging this time last year when I’d returned to clinical medicine after a year-long stint at business school. As you’re probably used to by now, I wanted to take some time to reflect on what this one-year blogging anniversary means to me. Through this medium, I have learned so much about myself, my followers, and the world around me. Blogging is something that brings me immense joy, and I’m forever grateful for all of you who follow me…

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Is My Life Over if I’ve Been Diagnosed with a Mental Illness? Psychiatry in 60 Seconds

If you’ve been diagnosed with a mental illness, you might be concerned about what comes next. Is your life over? Can you still do the things that you love? In (a little more than) 60 seconds, I share some tidbits on why your life is NOT over if you’ve been diagnosed with a mental illness. I hope that the above video encourages you and assures you that your life doesn’t have to change drastically if you’ve been diagnosed with a mental illness. For example, milder forms of anxiety or depression can be easily treated with therapy and medications. Whereas more…

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I Matched into a Psychiatry Residency Program!

On Monday, March 11th, I found out that I matched into a psychiatry residency program!!!! I don’t know yet where I will train as a resident psychiatrist, but I sure am happy to know that I matched! To me, Monday was the most relieving part of the residency interview process. Months of waiting and uncertainty came to a close when I learned that I matched! Over the past few months, I interviewed all over the country, met with dozens of faculty and residents, and stressed over making my rank list. For those who don’t know, the rank list is where residency…

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Risk Factors Associated with Mental Illness – Psychiatry in 60 Seconds

Mental illness is on the rise in the US, and this might leave you wondering whether or not you are at risk of having a mental illness at some point in your life. The short answer is yes, but there are some avoidable mental illness risk factors. Check out the video below for a quick 60-second explanation of different mental illness risk factors and steps you can take to minimize your chances of developing a psychiatric illness. Want to know more? Keep reading below for more details! Mental Illness Risk Factors Genetics Some psychiatric disorders, such as bipolar disorder and…

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