Guided by family, driven by dreams

We asked healthcare workers about the champions who inspired them and help shape their careers. Meet Deepti and her mum Shika, a healthcare duo inspiring each other toward success in the world of medicine.

Let's start with introductions.

My name is Deepti. I'm a phlebotomist and I'm currently studying my master's in nutrition and aspiring to enter med school. This is probably my seventh year studying this year, so I have another seven years to go with study.

And Shika, can you introduce yourself?

I'm Shika. I'm Deepti's mom and by profession I'm a dental hygienist, a motivational speaker, as well as a personal coach. I mentor Deepti in her career to help her prioritise her studies and education, so that she can achieve all her dreams in her career.

Deepti, tell me about the inspiration that guided you to want to workin healthcare?

My inspiration would probably be my upbringing. I was around healthcare workers my whole life. Even mum; she was studying while I was in high school, so I watched her enter her healthcare journey and that inspired me to start my own.

And in what ways does your mum act as a career cheerleader?

Mum's my career cheerleader because she's always created an environment where I can prioritise my studies and my work, and she's always just been very supportive of me.

And Shika, what's the main way that you support her?

The main way I support Deepti in her career is helping her in prioritising her education, as well as knowing her value.

And what does it mean to you to have your mum's support?

Having mum's support means I always have someone there with me that can guide me, and I know that I have someone that can help me achieve all my goals.

And Deepti, tell me what you would think your mum's most admirable qualities are?

My mum's most admirable qualities are probably her determination and she's extremely hardworking and strong-willed. I look up to that a lot.

And what about you, Shika? What would you say Deepti's biggest strengths are that have allowed her to excel in her career?

The biggest strength in Deepti, which I've always noticed, is her resilience and ability to get up after setbacks. Also, her adaptability to anything thrown at her.

Deepti, where do you want to be in seven years?

In seven years, I want to finish med school and I do want to go down a path of probably holistic healing and alternative medicine or dermatology - I don't know yet. I will discover that through med school and all my placements. I'll figure out what actually sits right with me and what I can achieve.

And, Shika, how do you think you fit into that?

I'm actually really proud of her for having such a big dream. I just want her to know that I'm always here to support her to achieve all the biggest dreams she has in her life. And I'm just right next to her in every way I can support her, guide her, and always keep reminding her of what her goals are.

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