Leaving Medicine for Content Creation

(Hanging the stethoscope series)

Brief bio:

Cassandra Ikegbune – Lifestyle blogger, Content creator/strategist and Communications associate.

Why did you choose to study medicine initially?

There wasn’t a specific reason. I was smart, loved to read, and my family already called me “Doctor”. Seemed like the next step to take, so I did. I wasn’t averse to it in any way as well. 

What year did you graduate medical school?

I’m never sure what to respond to this, because I am originally set of 2014, but official graduation was in 2015.

At what point did you decide you would deviate from medicine?

I wouldn’t say there was a definite point exactly. It’s something that has always been at the back of my mind, even during med school. I just never really knew how that’ll work out, or what else I could possibly do instead. After my NYSC, I didn’t go looking for a medical job because I wanted to rest for a bit and also I had my “influencer” job on the side, then I got a 9 – 5 job working as a content marketing associate, and the rest is history.

What inspired you to start what you’re doing now?

Well, I’ve always had a blog and have been active on social media (Even during med school). I like to think of starting my blog as the genesis of what I currently do. It is a sort of CV for me and really helped me pivot into communications. 

How long have you been away from Medicine?

It should be about 2 years now, or thereabout.

Have you decided Medicine is not for you or are you just trying other things for now?

Honestly? I can’t imagine being a doctor now. I feel like I’ll cause more harm than good, and we all know the oath says “do no harm”. I think about it sometimes, and I tell myself you know you can do anything you put your mind to, even if that means shadowing at a hospital, and re-reading the entire med school notes. I don’t know that I will practise again, I’m scared of doing harm. 

What has been people’s reactions to your decision?

It’s been a while now, people have moved on I guess? 

What was your family’s reaction?

I think they believe this is just a phase. We don’t talk much about it anymore, aside from the occasional jabs here and there.

What do you do now?

I work as a communications associate. What this means basically is that I write, I create content, and I market this content.

Do you have any regrets stopping medicine?

When I’m sad and undecided about my future, yes! Medicine may be hard, but it’s a straight path. You study, you pass, you study some more, you move and you move. You don’t need to overthink things so much, you don’t need to change with trends, or constantly reinvent yourself to stay relevant. If you get what I mean? With medicine, you put your head down, and study, and you’ll be fine.

Do people still call you doctor?

Yes! Funny enough whenever I go to the hospital to see a doctor, and I hear someone say “Doctor”, I still subconsciously turn towards the voice, because I think I’m the one they are referring to.

 What are the challenges you are having in this new role?

Trusting myself, and building capacity. Because I wasn’t exactly formally trained for this, oftentimes I realize that there is some knowledge deficit. Of course, I still get the job done, but I can imagine how much more easier it could be, it can be.

Did you have to do any special study or training for your new job/role?

Not yet, but I plan to do a masters. So help me God! lol

Can you still write a prescription for malaria/ hypertension/ diabetes?

For where? (Read this with the Nigerian accent). The brain really needs constant stimulation, this is a fact. Things that were second nature to me back then have all faded. During my housemanship, I did a posting in the endocrinology unit, and Diabetes was my jam. I could correct both hypo and hypergylcaemia without thinking. Now? Lol

Do you try to update yourself on medical trends?

Honestly, I don’t. I keep saying I will, but I never really do. In fact, at some point,  I had all my med school books out so I could revise but life and indiscipline happened.

Have you faced any embarrassing questions by people who still feel you are practicing?

Not really. People have generally moved on, I believe. A lot of the med people I know are outside the country, and too busy hustling for their own 2k to be asking any embarrassing questions. 

What would you like to change about the way medicine is practiced in Nigeria.

The hierarchy madness! My goodness! The ill treatment of junior doctors. I was going to add something about the government treating medicine and doctors as the “noble profession” that it is referred to, but I realize that’s not what you’re asking about here.

Health care here is a joke, which is a shame because Nigeria really has some of the best minds and hands (Doctors)

What advice would you give a medical student or doctor that wants to hang his or her stethoscope 

I try to refrain from giving advice, especially life changing advice lol. But I will say to them “Stay open to new possibilities”.

Your Social media handles

Instagram : @cassiedaves  Twitter – @cassie_daves Blog – www.cassiedaves.com