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 here I am. I’m two days away from a life-long dream. But not only am I becoming a doctor, I’m becoming a Master of Business Administration as well! I don’t think my younger self would have predicted that!

As I celebrate this accomplishment with family and friends, I can’t help but stop to reflect on the motivators that have gotten me to this point - my faith, family, friends, patients, and myself.

What It Means to Me to Become a Doctor…

…For My Family

I don’t come from a line of physicians. Rather, I am the granddaughter of Irma and Theophilus, farmers from the beautiful island of Tobago. Neither of my maternal grandparents had the chance to attain more than an elementary school education, but they were tenacious, loving, and faithful. I am the granddaughter of Eurene and Joseph, general workers on plantations in Barbados who worked diligently to provide for their family. My grandparents all prayed and believed that their work and faith could help to provide opportunities for their children and grandchildren.

I am the daughter of Beverley and Alfred. The sister of Alisha and Alex. The niece and cousin to dozens of family members around the world. We all know that it takes a village to raise a child. My village was huge and their support even greater. When I think of where my family has come from and how much further we can go, I remember that this journey is for them.

I will become a doctor because of and for my family.

…For My Faith

My journey to becoming a doctor is a constant reminder that my God is an ever-faithful, ever-loving God. I’ve shared openly about the doubts I’ve had along this path. I knew that I wanted to become a doctor. I knew that I wanted to treat patients, but I struggled to discover what specialty would be best for me. I never ever thought I would become a psychiatrist, but God must have known all along. When I think of how much I tried to escape my calling, I know this path must have been pre-ordained. God brought me back to my childhood dream just when I’d given up hope.

I will become a doctor because of my faith that God’s plans are greater than my own.

…For My Patients

When I think about my patients, past and present, my heart is truly happy. I wanted to become a doctor because patient interaction is a true blessing. Strangers entrust medical providers with some of their most private information. They entrust us to use that information to help keep them healthy or help them to get better.

Unfortunately, the US is a place where health and healthcare equity does not exist. By becoming a psychiatrist, and an MD/MBA at that, I am committing my professional life to increasing access to mental healthcare for patients around the country, and hopefully even the world.

I will become a doctor who puts my patients’ safety above all else.

…For Me

On my twenty-year-long #JourneytoDrJordan. I’ve worked hard…really, really hard toward the goal of simply being the best that I could be. I never competed against anyone other than myself. I remember the nights in high school when I’d stay up until 2am studying my anatomy flashcards because I loved the material and wanted to master it. I remember the nights in college that I spent in Lamont library practicing mechanisms for organic chemistry. The days on end that I locked myself in my room studying for the MCAT and the various USMLE board examinations. These years have been years of sacrifice and hard work, but I wouldn’t change it for anything because it’s gotten me to this point.

I will become a doctor, fulfilling my life-long dream.

So as the days, hours, and minutes count down toward graduation, I’m reminding myself of one thing: focus on the blessing I’m currently living. I've worked for this, and now it's time to celebrate!!!!

I am my ancestors’ wildest dream, and I aim to keep making them proud!

Peace and blessings,

Atasha Jordan, MD (to be)