“Allow me to re-introduce myself….”
On May 16th, 2022 I became Dr. Alice Trye, MD. I know that there is a debate that this is redundant, but please let me live. Actually, my degree was conferred the day before, but my commencement ceremony was the day after.
The earliest I can remember saying I wanted to be a doctor was around 7 or 8 years old. My mom says I was saying it earlier than this. Of course I had other career aspirations along the way -some of which I haven’t completely given up on, but I always came back to being a doctor.
Medical school was the hardest thing I have ever done. In all honesty, it almost broke me multiple times. There was so much self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy that it was sometimes paralyzing. I questioned if it was even worth it when I could be out working a “normal job” and enjoying life. I would come to my senses and remind myself that this is what I always wanted, that God called me to be a healer, and I would continue studying. As a third-year medical student, I found the most joy in my day-to-day interactions with patients. It was the conservations about their lives outside of the hospital, their likes/dislikes, and even their hopes and dreams that kept me going. I am not going to miss medical school overall, but I will miss the amount of time I had the privilege of spending with patients as a student.
I think as many of us graduate from medical school and move on to new cities and institutions, it’s easy to overlook the city you spent the past 4+ years learning and growing in. I am forever grateful that I was able to learn the foundations of medicine in a city like Newark, NJ. A place where the majority of my patients look like me. The place where I confirmed that I wanted to become an OB/GYN.
Medical school was tough, but I also have so many good memories. Late night study sessions with friends that turned into 3 am dance parties, golden weekends spent with my boyfriend and family, traveling, and just overall growing into the woman I am today.
Being raised by Sierra Leonean immigrant parents – I am so thankful to them for all of their sacrifices and support on my journey. I was never forced to be a doctor- If I told them I wanted to be anything else they would have supported me. This degree is a representation of their hard work and sacrifice.
Throughout the years I’ve been lucky to have family and friends that supported me. I have friends that studied with me in high school and college, dealt with me not being able to talk or hang out, but they stood by me. I am so thankful for their love and support.
Now I am on to the next phase of my life and starting my career as a young OB/GYN. A dream come true! I know that the work is really just beginning- that it only gets harder from here on out. Although it gets harder, I will just get stronger. Strong enough to show up for myself, do the work that God wants me to do for my patients, and for my community.
I hope that you see me as an example of what you can do when you have faith and don’t give up. You may slow down, and take a different path, but you won’t stop until you reach your goals. I did it and you can too.
I get to start my dream job, in the city I’ve always wanted to live in. I am so blessed. I cant wait to see what else is in store for me in the future.
-Dr. Alice Trye
Newest OB/GYN resident #atyourcervix
