By M Muzamil Shami - May 8, 2025
Molly Palmer had always dreamed of becoming a doctor. From the moment she could pronounce “stethoscope,” she imagined herself saving lives, just like her father. Now, twenty years later, she stood in the fluorescent-lit hallway of her dream hospital, a fresh intern with a heart full of hope.
“Line up straight so I can see you all,” barked Dr. David Gibson, the Chief of Internal Medicine. His voice was as cold as the sterile walls surrounding them.
“I’m Dr. Gibson. For the next year, I’m your boss. Forget about sleep, proper nutrition, or relationships. From now on, your lives are mine.”
Molly’s excitement wavered, but she held her ground.
“Sorry I’m late,” she said, breathless.
Gibson sneered. “Late on your first day? Impressive.”
He began handing out patient files. “These are your patients. Study them. Their lives depend on you.”
Molly stepped forward. “Dr. Gibson, I don’t have a folder.”
He glanced at her. “What’s your name?”
“Molly Palmer.”
He shrugged. “Not my problem.”
“I was assigned to another hospital, but I want to do my internship here. I called them, but they said it wasn’t up to them. So I came to you.”
Gibson raised an eyebrow. “Why this hospital? We’re not the biggest or the richest. Why us?”
“Because you’re one of the best doctors in the country. I want to learn from the best.”
He scoffed. “Flattery won’t work. And frankly, I don’t think women make good doctors. You get distracted, fall in love, have babies, and then get bored.”
Molly’s cheeks flushed, but she stood tall. “Give me a chance.”
Gibson smirked. “Fine. Discharge the patient in room 303 by 3 p.m. If you fail, I’ll eat my own arm.”
Molly entered room 303, where a young man named Ayush lay with a bandaged arm.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Ayush. You had a motorcycle accident but only sustained minor injuries. How are you feeling?”
Ayush struggled with English. “I… bad English… but understand. I tell you.”
“Can you explain how the accident happened?”
“I deliver fast. No deliver, no job.”
“So you were rushing to deliver an order to keep your job?”
“Yes. Need to survive.”
Molly smiled gently. “Well, the good news is you’ll be discharged today.”
Ayush hesitated. “I… more sick.”
“What do you mean? Does your arm hurt?”
“Arm… no. Chest hurt.”
Alarmed, Molly reported to Dr. Gibson.
“He’s still in pain. His chest hurts. It could be internal bleeding or organ damage.”
Gibson dismissed her. “He’s lying. He wants to sue the company he works for. Don’t be naive.”
Frustrated, Molly decided to investigate further. She visited the accident scene and noted the distance Ayush had been thrown.
Back at the hospital, Ayush’s condition worsened.
“Dr. Gibson, Ayush is in trouble. His blood pressure is dropping rapidly.”
“Take him to the ICU,” Gibson ordered.
Molly interjected. “He might have swallowed debris. He needs immediate surgery.”
Gibson glared. “If you ever challenge me again, you’re fired.”
Despite the threat, Molly’s instincts proved correct. The surgery revealed debris lodged in Ayush’s airway.
After the operation, Ayush smiled weakly. “If you weren’t there, I’d be dead.”
Molly nodded, tears in her eyes. “I’m glad you’re okay.”
Later, Dr. Gibson called her into his office.
“I made some calls. It’s not easy to transfer an intern, but your actions today saved a life.”
Molly crossed her arms. “If you believed in people, I wouldn’t have had to prove myself.”
Gibson looked at her, a hint of vulnerability in his eyes. “What pisses you off about me?”
She took a deep breath. “That you’re my father.”
Silence hung heavy in the room.
“I hate you,” she whispered, turning to leave.
FAQs:
Q: What challenges do medical interns face in real-life hospital settings?
A: Medical interns often encounter long hours, high-stress environments, and hierarchical structures that can be intimidating. They may also face gender biases and the challenge of balancing empathy with clinical detachment.
Q: How can aspiring doctors prepare for the emotional toll of the profession?
A: Building a strong support system, seeking mentorship, and engaging in self-care practices are crucial. Reflective practices like journaling and counseling can also help manage the emotional demands of the job.
Q: What should one do when facing discrimination or bias in the workplace?
A: It's important to document incidents, seek support from trusted colleagues or mentors, and report the behavior to human resources or relevant authorities. Organizations should have policies in place to address such issues.
#MedicalInternChallenges #WomenInMedicine #HospitalDrama
Have you ever faced unexpected challenges in your dream job? How did you overcome them? Share your story in the comments below!
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