"I did lose faith at one point" Jamila Brown's Inspirational Journey to Becoming a Medical Doctor

A deep love for problem-solving and getting to the bottom of mysteries led Jamila Brown to pursue a career in medicine. Now, a medical doctor, she had a chat with us about some of the highs and lows she experienced along her journey to the esteemed profession.

From sharing about her time studying in Cuba to how she lost faith in God, it's guaranteed that you will be both moved and amazed by this discussion.

Describe the moment you knew you wanted to become a doctor.

DR. JAMILA: I knew I wanted to be a doctor after my mother passed away. Initially, I wanted to be a forensic scientist, because I loved mysteries and solving them. And then my interest grew into forensic pathology, because I had an interest, a morbid interest really, in the dead, and cause of death, and so I wanted to combine that aspect with my love for problem-solving.

So. when my mother passed away, it solidified my interest in going down that path of medicine, because it was what I had left her with.

Wow, it’s an understatement to say but your mother would definitely be so proud of where you are today. After choosing that specific area, you went on to do your studies in Cuba. What was the experience like?

DR. JAMILA: My experience was bittersweet. I loved Cuba, and I was eager to begin my studies there. I loved the melting pot of cultures. I had friends from all over the globe.

But being in a foreign country takes a lot of adjustments because it's a whole different way of life, which at times, proved to be very difficult. Looking back, I definitely miss Cuba; I have spent my youth there. And I'm really grateful for the time I spent there.

You mention it being bittersweet. As a believer, how has faith played a part in your journey to becoming a medical doctor?

DR. JAMILA: My faith was tested the most around covid time. Because I was faced with food shortages and not being able to travel home. So I was depressed and hungry. A terrible combination. At the end of the day, when things were too much to handle, I really had to fight to hold on to what I knew God to be.

I had to fight to understand that while things around me were changing, His love for me had not changed. The situations happening around me were not an indication of God's lack of presence or his lack of love for me.

I did lose faith at one point, cause I remember saying that there's nothing more I can do to endure it; I cannot hold on to Him anymore; I am too weak to, and I asked Him to hold on to me instead. And He did. Because I'm here now (lol).

Indeed. You’ve come out the other side stronger. What’s been your favourite part about the profession so far or your most memorable moment?

DR. JAMILA: I'd say my favourite part is knowing how to relate well with my patients. I'm happy when they feel safe with me and satisfied. Also, being a doctor allows me to meet people from different backgrounds, which I really love, because they all give me different perspectives on life, which makes me into a better person.

In the coming years, how do you see yourself evolving in the medical field?

DR. JAMILA: Well, I'm all about personal growth and trying to understand my patients more. I want to be very good at what I do. I want to be very good at diagnosing and treating my patients. Also, I hope that in the future, I can specialize in forensic pathology.

Very cool! Your best years are ahead of you and you’ve still accomplished so much. What encouragement would you give to other young people passionate about medicine?

DR. JAMILA: Study Hard! Don't be distracted. And never sacrifice your future for frivolous moments. Remain dedicated. And most importantly, put God first.

One for the road; off the top of your head, what would you consider to be one of the greatest medical breakthroughs or inventions made to date?

I was reading an article about a life-changing treatment for sickle cell patients that includes gene therapy. I was very happy to see that because Sickle Cell Disease can be a very debilitating illness.