Doctor Dreams: Why I'm Trading Sleep for Stethoscopes.

In the whimsical world of medicine, even the most mundane moments can spark hilarity. Picture this: my professor, with a straight face, asks about the features of 'iron deficiency' anemia, and my conscience – always ready to interject with a dose of mischief – almost prompts me to blurt out, 'Wrinkled clothing.' Yes, you heard that right. Join me as we unravel the curious journey of a medical student navigating the fine line between textbook definitions and wardrobe malfunctions in this comedic exploration of 'Why Medicine?'

I've lost count of the number of times someone has asked me "Why Medicine." Especially because I had to take the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exam twice. I think the answer I have always given was "I love medicine" or sometimes I would say "I just want to help people." I don't know the number of times my ancestors rolled their eyes in their graves whenever I gave those answers.

I am no different from most Nigerian students who have ended up in Medicine due to some not-so-genuine reasons. Before I go further, here is a brief classification of the average medical student who found their way into medicine:

• The ones that had the career path shoved down their throat

• The ones who got here because their friends were.

• The ones who thought they were too smart from secondary school.

• The ones who binge-watched Doctor House and Grey's Anatomy (I feel these ones should be made to watch the behind-the-scenes).

• The ones who read Ben Carson's books and made the decision after reading Gifted Hands. (Someone should have told them they also needed a gifted brain to go with the hands).

• Then there are the ones who chose this path because of job security (Guilty!)

• The ones who chose the path simply because they are passionate about becoming doctors (most of them here lack a purpose).

• The ones who chose the path because they want to fulfill a purpose.

And let's not forget the rare breed—the ones who just wanted to one-up an ex or feel a bit more relevant. They make up the 0.003%. Don't look up that statistic, I made it up. But hey, in the grand scheme of things, at least we're keeping the ancestors entertained with our antics, right?

I applied to study medicine because I wanted to achieve a purpose (to be of service to people). I don't know so much about passion, but I feel like I'm a purpose-driven person. Perhaps the reason I stay up late burning the midnight oil to study and still get to class very early the next day. Okay, I might have lied a little. I am not only purpose-driven. I am also driven by Caffeine.

Ah, the classic mix of noble intentions and a caffeine fix! Whatever reason that brought you here is valid. Keep chasing your dreams, fueled by both purpose and caffeine, and remember, even superheroes need their beauty sleep—unless you're aiming to become a nocturnal doctor or Batman, then you're already ahead of the game!

I didn’t exhaust the reasons why most Nigerian medical students are in medicine. So, why are you in medicine( or whatever it is you are chasing)?