Stethoscope & Stilettos: Navigating Identity as a Young, Female Doctor

As I stand in front of the mirror, adjusting my stethoscope for what feels like the hundredth time, I catch a glimpse of the person staring back at me. The dark skin, the long straight hair, the piercing brown eyes - all familiar. But on days like today, when I’m scheduled to present a critical case study to my predominantly male colleagues, I find myself questioning the harmony between two personas: Dr. Amrita Chopra, the ambitious young doctor, and Amrita, the vibrant, sensual woman who loves stilettos and a good chai. Anonymous, have you ever felt like you’re living a dual life? Where the pursuit of professional excellence sometimes clashes with the desire to express your true, unguarded self? I’m learning to embrace this duality, one presentation at a time.

Let’s unpack this a bit. Growing up in India, I was always encouraged to prioritize my studies over, well, just about everything else. Moving to the UK to pursue medicine was my declaration of independence, a chance to redefine myself beyond the strict expectations of my upbringing. Yet, here I am, occasionally worrying if my ‘professional’ attire is too… me. Newsflash: it’s okay to love the contrast of a sharp white coat with a bold, red lip color! It’s more than just aesthetics; it’s about claiming space in a world where, historically, women - especially women of color - have been marginalized. So, I wear my stilettos under my scrubs as a silent reminder: I am both capable and captivating, and that’s not a contradiction.

As I reflect on my journey so far, I realize that the most profound lessons haven’t come from textbooks or even patient interactions (though those are invaluable). They’ve come from the moments I’ve dared to be fully myself, even when that meant being a little unconventional. To Anonymous, I offer this: whether you’re navigating the corporate ladder, the wards of a hospital, or simply the complexities of everyday life, remember that your identity is a tapestry of experiences, passions, and quirks. Don’t be afraid to weave them together boldly. And if all else fails, throw on a pair of stilettos - trust me, it makes presenting case studies in front of your peers a whole lot more fun!