Nearly a decade ago, as a naive medical student, I met the dark side of medicine.

I was bullied, repeatedly. I was victimised, repeatedly. I was publicly embarrassed, repeatedly. I was derided, repeatedly.

Ultimately, as a result of this abuse, I became so depressed that I attempted suicide. I survived… indeed, in the years since, I have learned to thrive.

For years, this facet of my story has remained a secret — an embarrassing addendum to my attempts to portray a facade of perfection. I tell my story today to make peace with who I am and to provide some comfort to those experiencing similar treatment. To say to them, “you are not alone”.