Let’s have Yee Shuin share her journey as a new TCM Physician after graduating.
Could you share more about your career path so far?
I started practicing as a TCM physician in early 2021 upon graduating, and joined Flower Moon Clinic (FMC) in mid 2022. I have always had an interest in women’s health, so I made the decision to join FMC to learn and grow in this area. Focusing on prenatal to postpartum issues with a special niche in lactation-related issues, I have grown and learnt so much in just a few short months here. Being in a small clinic has its perks as well, as there is much potential for growth. We are expanding to a third branch mid 2023, and I will be the main physician helming the clinic branch! It is a great opportunity for me as a new and young physician, so I am very thankful and am looking forward to this new chapter.
What is the main inspiration/background behind your choice of career?
Before FMC, I was tending to patients with more general conditions – pain, injuries, difficulty sleeping etc. One day I met a patient who came in to treat a lingering pain from a fall, but during the consultation I suspected she could be pregnant so we decided to be conservative on the treatments. She didn’t turn up for her review on time, but some time later she came back, and informed me that after the consultation, she went back and tested for pregnancy. Turned out she really was pregnant! However she had to terminate the pregnancy, and this stuck with me for a long time. As a new physician, she was the first patient I encountered that was pregnant, but I’ll never forget the ending.
It has always stuck with me since then, and reminded me of my interest in women’s health and fertility issues. That was when I decided to join FMC to learn and practice in a clinic that focused on women’s health.
What are some of the challenges you faced?
As a new physician, I struggle with a lack of experience. Shadowing other physicians exposed me to many conditions, medications and treatments, but it was still different from having the experience “under your belt”. Thankfully, many patients today are not wary of young physicians anymore, giving us a chance to gain experience. There is still much to learn, but persistence and passion has helped me get through the dry periods when patients would rather see more senior and experienced physicians. Only by persisting and giving my best with every patient I meet, I’m finally starting to grow a pool of patients who trust in my diagnoses and treatments.
Is there anything else you would like to share with fellow alumni who might be going through a similar situation?
Sincerity, integrity and compassion goes a long way in our pursuit to be a TCM physician/practitioner. But when we really feel like giving up, we can give ourselves a short break to stop and smell the roses. After we are rested, we can start again, and help our patients better. As we continue to learn and grow in our skills as a physician, the fruits of our labor will come eventually.
From PULSE Magazine 6th Edition
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