Grateful.

It’s that time of the year. Everyone takes their foot off the pedal, goes on holiday and enjoys family time. Some celebrate a good year. Others can’t wait for it to end. As companies go on shutdown, I’m not used to time off and am bored more than ever.

It’s my first Christmas not working at the hospital and whilst I’m grateful for not having to stress about whether I’m going to have to work a shift on Christmas Day, I feel strange.?

I’m trying to use this time to reflect on the past year. Go over everything I’ve done and contemplate what I could have done differently and possibly better. I’m never easily satisfied and barely ever grateful. Something I definitely need to work on if I’m to survive a life outside of hospital.?

I finished my post-grad surgical exam. Took the lead at Med-Tech World Summit. I’ve made hundreds of new friends. Connected to many more. Helped anyone I came across with. Got introduced to hundreds of start-ups focused on improving our healthcare systems. I’ve visited different continents. Organised events in different countries. Learned new languages. Discovered new cultures and traditions. Brainstormed thousands of ideas. Learned about different healthcare systems. Noted the inequalities and indifferences of each and how we’re all a piece of the same puzzle.?

The greatest thing I understood was how getting things done depends on genuine human connections. Be it through Med-Tech World Summit or any other event. It all depends on how honest and sincere we allow ourselves to be with others and in a world full of unfairness and deception, I rejoice whenever I come across someone genuine. Healthcare can be anything but not genuine.?

I’m going to go at it again for another year. Another three hundred and sixty-five days full of opportunities to try to create a positive impact within the global digital health and med-tech industry. I’m excited to continue fostering the relationships we’ve already forged together and work on new ones. I need your help just as much as you need mine. In anything we’re setting out to do.?

Enjoy the last couple of days before we reset our timers for another busy year ahead. I truly wish happiness and good health to all. I’ve experienced a dear relative of mine battling a cancer diagnosis and anything else at that time seemed irrelevant. Don’t lose focus on the bigger picture in life.?

D.A.