**Insights from a Clinical Oncologist Exploring Emergency Medicine**

Shifting from one medical specialty to another can present both a professional obstacle and a profoundly personal exploration. After dedicating nearly eight years to clinical oncology in Pakistan, the chance to oversee and collaborate with newly graduated doctors in an emergency medicine environment signified a new chapter in my career. Initially, it felt like entering unknown waters, yet this experience became a pivotal journey, imparting lessons in adaptability, mentorship, and the capacity to transform past challenges into a supportive future for others.

### Embracing the Unforeseen Transition

As an oncologist, my focus has predominantly been on delivering care to cancer patients while navigating the intricate medical and emotional components of their treatment paths. In contrast, emergency medicine operates at an entirely different tempo—demanding swift, decisive actions while dealing with a wide range of cases. Although my involvement in the ER was unexpected, life tends to lead us into circumstances we never envisioned, unveiling hidden strengths and potentials.

This position also brought with it a notable obligation: overseeing four newly graduated physicians. Two men and two women, each bright and eager yet apprehensive about their inaugural experience in private hospital systems. My interactions with them have been eye-opening—not only did I see reflections of my own early career uncertainties, but their enthusiasm rekindled a spark of hope that can fade over years in practice.

### From Supervisor to Team Player: Establishing Trust with Juniors

Upon joining the team, I immediately sensed their nervousness. Having experienced similar feelings years prior, I was able to relate to their concerns about working under an unfamiliar senior physician. They feared I would be an intimidating authority. Observing those initial walls of anxiety dissolve after mere hours of communication filled me with a sense of pride and responsibility.

My primary objective as their supervisor has extended beyond simply overseeing their clinical responsibilities—it focuses on fostering an environment conducive to their personal and professional growth. Whether it involves clarifying administrative procedures, patiently elucidating medical concepts, or easing their concerns during trying moments, I aim to demonstrate that being a senior doctor doesn’t equate to being aloof or daunting.

However, there’s one thing I still haven’t fully embraced: being addressed as “madam.” This term conveys respect in our culture, yet whenever they use it, it reminds me of the hierarchical gap I’m striving to lessen among us. Nevertheless, their use of this title is often accompanied by humor and warmth, turning the ER into a space where even the most intense shifts are brightened by laughter and camaraderie.

### Learning: A Mutual Exchange

While I mentor them in practical abilities—such as performing minor surgical tasks, managing patient rosters, and navigating hospital protocols—I also draw inspiration from their boundless ambition and enthusiasm. Their eagerness to tackle unfamiliar challenges with such vigor reminds me of a younger me.

One junior doctor, Dr. TA, especially resonates with me. His constant chatter and lovable, almost childlike energy are sources of continuous amusement. Observing him prepare for his residency entrance exam (or more accurately, watching him delay his studies to keep me entertained!) feels like watching over a sibling. His loyalty and humor are bright spots in the otherwise demanding environment of the ER. His frequent, exaggerated expressions like, “Madam, for you, I’d even jump from Mustafa Plaza!” always leave me laughing.

Beneath his playful exterior, our bond is rooted in trust and admiration. He has once conveyed his appreciation, saying, “Madam, may Allah bless every junior doctor with a senior like you.” Such words were both heartwarming and affirming, highlighting the crucial role of mentorship in shaping professional journeys. Unlike the harsher atmospheres I encountered in public sector hospitals during my training, I strive to offer my juniors the kindness, patience, and human connection that I often lacked.

### How Background Influences Leadership

Every leader carries pieces of their past into their present. My approach to patient care and mentorship has been significantly influenced by the challenges I encountered during my upbringing and early career. Growing up in an environment of severe poverty, I witnessed firsthand the indifference and rigidity frequently found in healthcare settings. I recall queuing in lengthy lines at public hospitals, dealing with dismissive doctors who barely acknowledged patients.

That feeling of neglect and solitude instilled in me a fierce determination but also took a toll on my self-worth. It is this very journey—struggling with low self-esteem and striving to prove myself—that compels me to be a compassionate doctor and a supportive senior today. My experiences have shown me that both patients and junior colleagues thrive under care and attention, no matter how small the gesture. Offering my team tea during long shifts or taking the time to thoroughly address a patient’s concerns might seem trivial,