My Purpose
This blog embodies a philosophy carved from the myriad lessons learned not just within the hallowed halls of hospitals but also in the vast, unpredictable terrain of life beyond them. It's a testament to a journey that intertwines professional growth with personal evolution, especially from the perspective of a woman in the demanding field of healthcare.
My path has been illuminated by the quest for strong female role models and the desire to connect with other formidable leaders in medicine and beyond. This platform is born from that quest, serving as a beacon for those who navigate the delicate balance between their careers and personal lives, offering insights, guidance, and camaraderie.
At its core, this blog is about empowerment—empowering future healthcare professionals through the sharing of hard-earned wisdom, and empowering women to see themselves as leaders, mentors, and pioneers. It's about bridging the gap between the clinical precision required in medicine and the emotional resilience needed to thrive outside the clinical setting.
Life in and out of the hospital is a continuous learning experience. Here, I share the lessons that have shaped my journey, focusing on the importance of self-care, boundary setting, and the pursuit of passions that ignite the soul beyond professional achievements. It's a platform that celebrates the multifaceted lives of healthcare professionals, acknowledging that our identities extend far beyond our roles in medicine.
The essence of this blog is to foster a community where we can share not only our successes and challenges within our careers but also the triumphs and trials of our lives outside of work. It's about creating a space where the lines between personal and professional growth blur, revealing the holistic journey of becoming a well-rounded individual and leader.
Join me as we delve into this intertwined exploration of life in and out of the hospital, where each story shared and lesson learned is a step toward understanding ourselves and each other better. This blog is a call to all who seek to lead balanced, fulfilling lives—let's navigate the complexities of our worlds together, supporting and inspiring one another every step of the way.
About the Author
Originally from the Netherlands, my formative years were spent wandering the diverse landscapes of Africa, an adventure that shaped my global outlook and adaptability. This unique upbringing paved the way to the United States, where I immersed myself in the rigors of medical training, emerging as a pulmonary and critical care attending as well as assistant professor where I get to teach the next generation of physicians.
Now, at the intersection of my past experiences and my current role, I find myself driven by a passion to heal, teach, and inspire. This blog serves as a canvas for my reflections on medicine, the daily challenges and triumphs of caring for the critically ill, as well as the lessons learned from life outside of the hospital. But here's the thing—it's not just about telling my stories. I'm on a mission to build a space where all of our tales of love, grit, and human connection can come to life and grow together. I believe in the power of sharing these moments, not just as a way to heal, but as a way to bring us all a bit closer. It's about creating a community where we can all find a bit of understanding, support, and, yeah, empowerment too. So, my blog? It's more than just a bunch of posts. It's a lighthouse for anyone looking for a bit of light and strength in the complex, beautiful mess that is the human experience.
XOXO
