Volume 13 Issues 12 December, 2023
This year, during a visit to India, a profound moment struck me. In our living room, my two-year-old daughter was sitting on a swing with my parents. It was the same swing I sat on over 20 years ago with my grandparents. The gentle oscillation of the swing seemed to echo the passage of time, reminding me of the enduring nature of family and culture. This swing, a constant in our home, symbolized the resilience and continuity of cultural values amidst the ever-changing world. It’s this essence of stability and strength that I strive to bring into my practice as a child psychiatrist.
Early Inspirations: A Childhood of Transitions
Growing up, I moved from one country to another, experiencing diverse cultures and environments. Each transition was a new chapter, filled with both excitement and anxiety. Adjusting to new cultural environments required adaptability and openness to change. My family played a crucial role in helping me navigate the anxiety of letting go and accepting new surroundings. Embracing new ideas and integrating them with our cultural values provided a sense of continuity and comfort. These experiences ingrained in me the importance of cultural awareness and the critical role of family in mental health, laying the foundation for my future career.
Embracing Diversity: Geography, Patients, and Clinical Experiences
Diversity has been a constant theme throughout my life and career. From the various countries I lived in as a child to the diverse populations I now serve as a psychiatrist; each experience has enriched my understanding of the human experience. My educational journey exposed me to a wide array of geographical and clinical settings, from urban hospitals to rural clinics. Mentors with a passion for global mental health guided me, broadening my perspective and preparing me to address the mental health needs of diverse populations.
Formative Years: Learning from Mentors and Global Exposure
My formative years in medical school and residency were filled with invaluable lessons from mentors who emphasized the significance of cultural competence in individual and family-focused care. Through their guidance, I was exposed to global mental health issues, which profoundly influenced my approach to psychiatry. One particularly memorable case involved a Hispanic child experiencing first-break psychosis. The family, deeply rooted in their cultural and religious beliefs, faced immense fear and confusion. Understanding the importance of culturally sensitive care, I worked closely with them to navigate this challenging period. We incorporated their cultural values and religious views into the treatment plan, ensuring that the interventions were respectful and resonant. This holistic approach not only facilitated the child’s recovery but also strengthened the family’s cohesion.
Serving Globally and Locally: A Commitment to Mental Health
My career has taken me to various parts of the world, allowing me to learn from and contribute to diverse communities. In Michigan, I serve a vast region, addressing the mental health needs of children and adolescents from different backgrounds. My global endeavors have included traveling to a city in Uttar Pradesh to work with nursing students on infant mental health, visiting a small town in Karnataka to discuss early relational health, studying nutmeg workers in the Caribbean, understanding the evolving viewpoints on masculinity and fatherhood in El Salvador, performing asylum evaluations for refugees, etc. Each of these experiences has enriched my practice, providing insights into the universal and unique aspects of mental health across different cultures.
Hope Amidst Uncertainty
As I look back on my journey, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences that have shaped me and the patients who have entrusted me with their care. In a world that often feels chaotic, the strength of family and culture can serve as a guiding light. Just as the swing in our living room continues to oscillate, reflecting the passage of time and the constancy of cultural values, let us embrace these principles in our practice, fostering stability and hope for all those we serve.
