By Dawood Findakly, MD

Looking back in time: Why did I choose medicine?

I was raised by my mother, a doctor, and my father, an engineer, which was one thing that gave me the imagination and creative thinking, combined with the passion for helping others. I worked hard to get into the most competitive and elite medical school by going through various tests and faculty interviews. I remember the time I stood in front of the dean, and the feeling I had when he was asking me, “Why do you want to be a doctor?” The image of my muse, the angel of my life, the face of my mom came vividly in my thoughts and formed my answer, “My mom.”

My mother, my inspiration

Growing up I always wanted to be a doctor, and I never gave a second thought about it. I had the great opportunity to follow my mom’s dream as a physician, and I kept track of her progress—getting the professor degree and being a consultant physician in her field. I learned from her how to always work hard to manage any condition patients might be presented with to decrease their pain and help them cope with their illness. 

Helping patients is the ultimate goal for my medical profession.

Having all that knowledge I gained through medical training by learning all the broad ranges of diseases, and their management, helps me shape treatment plans and set goals of care for patients with different ailments, aiming to improve their quality of life.

My inspiration is my mother, and she means the world to me. When I traveled to the U.S., pursuing the American dream, I started studying for the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). In the hard times, I can count on her presence as she is always there to support and encourage me.

Difficult roads with a unique set of challenges

Immediately after moving to the U.S., my mom went through a hard time. I felt terrible that I couldn’t be there to support her. She taught me how to talk, walk, and held my hand and supported me through every aspect of my life; but I felt I couldn’t hold hers when she needed me the most. Despite all that, she continued to support me, listen to what I am going through, and encourage me. 

The sky is the limit

As I am writing this, I sit at my desk with my favorite coffee mug I just brewed. The coffee smell is relaxing me as it clears my mind from all distractions. While tapping on the keyboard, words sway and continuously move as I am typing, with my fingers trying to catch up with my thoughts. I saw my whole life of memories with her. She is the foundation of all my dreams. She is the cornerstone of who I am. She is my motivation to achieve my goals.

Happy Mother’s Day

Mothers are special, they are the meaning of life, they are the sanctuary for their kids whom they raise with love and compassion. In the month of May, when we celebrate Mother’s Day in the United States, I would like to thank my mom and all the mothers around the world for the unconditional love and congratulate them on this day.

Thank you, Dr. Lilyan Sersam, for making me the person who I am today. Happy Mother’s Day.

Dr. Findakly is currently an internal medicine resident at Creighton University School of Medicine (Phoenix) Program. He will be pursuing his hematology/oncology fellowship at Louisiana State University (Shreveport) Program. Follow him on Twitter @dawood_findakly. Disclosure.