The Journey to Becoming a Doctor: A Story of Determination
Driven by a deep-seated desire to help others, Hina Usman always knew she wanted to become a doctor. This aspiration was fully supported by her father, who encouraged her throughout his life. After his passing, Hina set out to make her father’s wish a reality.
In Pakistan, where Hina was born, entry into medical school hinges on an entrance exam. Thousands of students apply every year, but only a few are accepted. The medical program lasts for five years.
Hina aced the entrance exam and enrolled in the faculty of medicine at the university—marking the start of her journey towards her dream career. In 2013, during her academic pursuits, Hina got married. Her husband worked in Finland, a country that Hina would soon come to know well. Hina stayed busy juggling her medical education with moving to Finland and becoming a mother in 2015. She would travel between Pakistan and Finland every three months with her daughter.
“Continuing my studies after getting married was not easy. My husband was in Finland, and I was taking care of our child alone in Pakistan while studying. Thankfully, my mother was there to support me and my daughter. My husband also backed me up at every step, kept me motivated, and guided me with all his strength.”
Dreaming of a Career as a Pediatric Specialist
Hina graduated as a doctor in Pakistan in 2018. After graduation, she moved to Finland to join her husband and started to learn Finnish. When she became proficient in the language, she began working as a medical intern in Espoo and Helsinki. Alongside her internship,Hina completed a 9-month preparatory training course for foreign doctors at the University of Tampere. In 2020, she gave birth to her second child.
After a fruitful internship period, Hina passed the Finnish licensing exam for immigrant doctors, officially starting her practice in Finland in September 2022.
Hina recounts being greatly inspired by her professor in Pakistan who worked as the head of a pediatric department.
“My professor’s example inspired me to pursue a career as a pediatric specialist. That is my professional aspiration.”
Hina also appreciates the support and encouragement she has received from her Finnish supervisors, deputy chief physicians Sanna Vainio and Essi Ylinen.
“My journey to becoming a doctor has been profoundly pleasant thanks to the kindness of my supervisors. I wish to thank them to them for their support.”
Motivated By Helping Others
Hina believes her strength as a doctor lies in her ability to actively listen to her patients.
“For me, it is very important to truly understand my patients. The ability to listen and empathize are the most important skills in this profession.”
Hina is currently working as a primary care physician at the Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County, specifically at the Iso Omena Health Centre in Matinkylä. She finds her greatest motivation in being able to help people. She is also grateful to her work community.
“I’ve been very satisfied with my work community. We’re always there for each other, and I truly enjoy my work.
Hina appreciates the rewards, benefits, and continuous improvement efforts of the wellbeing services county. If she could change something within the wellbeing services county, she would focus on enhancing employee wellbeing, for example, by providing comfortable break rooms.
“I feel lucky to be part of the best work team and to practice my dream job in my home city.”
Perseverance Goes a Long Way
If Hina could say something to her younger self, she would remind herself that hard work pays off.
“Life was not easy when I resumed my studies after getting married. I had a child to take care of and we travelled a lot between Finland and Pakistan. Moving to a new country was a huge change and involved learning many new things. However, I have stayed positive and eager to learn!
Hina has always believed that when one is motivated to learn, anything is possible.
“I wish my father could see me now. His belief in me has brought me here.”