A New Chapter: Redefining Myself Beyond the White Coat
Reflecting on the Journey
As I sit here reflecting, I’m struck by the weight and beauty of the journey that has shaped me into who I am today. It’s been a journey filled with challenges, triumphs, and a realization that has profoundly shifted how I see myself: I am no longer defined solely by the title of "doctor."
Embracing My Identity
I’m Schehrezade—a name woven with stories of resilience, wisdom, and courage. It’s a name that’s been my anchor, especially through some of the darkest chapters of my life. None more so than the harrowing days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
For nine years, I walked hospital halls as a hospitalist, dedicating myself to caring for people at their most vulnerable. I witnessed the fragility of life and the strength of the human spirit. I carried the weight of decisions that felt too heavy, yet also found my deepest sense of purpose in those moments.
Lessons from the Pandemic
The pandemic tested me—and the world—in ways I could have never imagined. It exposed the rawest edges of humanity: fear that clouded decisions and courage that defied odds. In that crucible of uncertainty, I saw humanity’s most heartbreaking flaws and its brightest sparks of compassion.
But through it all, I realized something undeniable: medicine, as much as I loved it, was just one facet of who I am. It didn’t define me—it couldn’t. The experience stripped away the layers of my identity, forcing me to look inward at my core: a woman with a voice, a story, and a calling that extends far beyond the hospital walls.
A Bold Decision
In July 2023, I made the bold and necessary decision to step away from my role as a hospitalist. This wasn’t easy. I’d poured so much of myself into my community at the hospital and of course, the patients—often at the expense of my own well-being. But deep down, I knew I couldn’t keep walking the same path. There was a greater purpose waiting for me—one that demanded I step into the unknown.
Fear vs. Love
The pandemic taught me the most profound lesson: fear suffocates, while love liberates. Fear narrows our world and our potential. Love, on the other hand, expands everything—it invites growth, connection, and transformation. My mission now is to be a force for love and healing, to inspire others to live boldly, not from a place of fear, but from courage and compassion.
A New Purpose
I don’t have a perfectly mapped-out plan for this next chapter, and that excites me. What I do know is that I want to have a deeper impact on humanity—through storytelling, meaningful conversations, and empowering others to embrace their fullest potential.
Redefining Myself
I am no longer just a doctor. I am a storyteller. A healer. A force for change. My name, Schehrezade, carries the legacy of women who shaped the world with their words and their bravery. And now, it’s my turn to step into that lineage and use my voice to create something meaningful.
The Beginning of a New Chapter
This is just the beginning.
