Voices for change: Three things I would tell my younger self

Katreese Kimberly Samsuya, AO Trauma, Asia Pacific, shares three key pieces of advice for her younger self.

If I told my younger self that I would reach this level in my professional career, she would not believe me. As I look back at the past ten to 15 years of my life, I have grown so much that sometimes I do not even recognize myself anymore and if I were to recommend three things to my younger self, it would be the following: 

1. Strike a balance between work and family and other important things

Do not kill yourself working because you are always replaceable. You could drop dead now and by tomorrow they would already be looking for your replacement. Work and training usually take up most of your time but you have to make time for what is important. Missing out on important occasions like family birthdays and weddings may have been inculcated as normal in the practice of medicine but it does not have to be true. Training is important but it is not all there is. You have a mother to visit, sisters to talk to, and friends to catch up with. They are also your best and biggest support system. 

2. Learn how to take a break

When you are tired, rest. Trying to be a robot is the fastest way to burnout. You do not have to be at the hospital 24/7 and you do not have to endure long hours of work even when you are sick. Invest in yourself and in your health because you only have one body and there is no replacing it. It is important to get things done but you will do it better when you are well rested and with a clear mind. I remember when you were admitted to a hospital because you were having diarrhea for a week already and the only reason you went to the emergency room was because you started throwing up. Do not do that to yourself ever again. 

3. Don’t be too hard on yourself

You are doing amazing. Unable to answer a question during the conference? Research deadline almost up? Took too long to finish a surgery? You are doing fine! That is why you are here: to learn, and you should celebrate every win, no matter how small you think it is. You have come a long way and you should be proud of yourself.