This is the story of a Nepali girl who completed her MBBS at the B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan. Yes, this is my story. And, this is a message from a Nepali doctor to other Nepali doctors.
My journey started when I had just completed my MBBS at BPKIHS, Dharan. At the time, every single individual told me that it has never happened that a Nepali citizen has been selected to specialize in general surgery in the United States, let alone a woman. I completed my MBBS from Dharan hearing similar statements not only from friends but also from seniors.
There is a reason why I am sharing my story here. While studying and looking for a career, I went to India from Nepal and to America from India. During this journey of study and career, I also saw the reality that I heard from friends and senior doctors in Dharan and Kathmandu. But I made a few changes. I was able to get the exact opposite result.
It is my privilege to be pursuing general surgery in the United States.
In Nepali, there is a proverb that says, "Where there is a will, there is a way." I had exactly the same experience. There was not even one person who did not ask me to pursue internal medicine or pediatrics because they believed it was never going to happen. Given the fact that there was no senior from Nepal who had done it before, I had absolutely no guidance. However, I felt differently because all I knew was that I wanted to specialize in surgery. It was a difficult road. And I chose that path.
I went to Medanta, Gurgaon, and spent some time in the critical care unit while I prepared for my US medical licensing exams. I cleared all the exams and started applying for research positions in the USA. It was an unknown journey, but I was clear about my destination. I found some great mentors there who supported my passion and helped me pursue it.
Shortly after, I was invited to the University of Texas at Houston to do research in the cardiac surgery and heart transplant departments. After six months of spending time with them and proving my determination towards the field of surgery, I got a preliminary position in general surgery at the University of Texas, which is only a one-year contract but a bridge to move forward.
It is said that those who work hard are rewarded with sweet fruit. I had exactly the same experience. Seeing my passion, my professors and seniors recommended me for a second-year position. After a rigorous selection process, I was selected by Dartmouth University in New Hampshire. This is the place where I met the finest and the best of the best surgeons.
At Dartmouth, I was supported by the faculty, and that soon landed me a permanent categorical spot at the University of Connecticut, where I will be finishing my training.
It has been a long journey, a journey of uncertainty, a journey where you have to prove yourself every single day, and where you have to be the best of the best... It was harder because, when I was starting out, I didn't know anyone from Nepal who had done it before and had no guidance. But I wish to be able to guide and help my peers in Nepal, pursue their passion, even if it is in surgery. I wish to send out this message that our dreams should not be stunted based on the beliefs or trends of our society. If we want it hard enough, we will find a way.
