The Road Ahead

It has been almost a month since my meeting with the university, and I find myself reflecting on the profound impact that conversation has had on my personal and professional journey. The meeting was literally a 5 minutes’ meeting. The decision was to send the case to the FTP panel. All investigations and decisions relating to this matter were concluded in July 2023. In my initial meeting with the investigator at the university, he clearly decided that this matter will go to panel. I do not understand why it has taken more than 8 months to decide that again.

Waiting for the meeting, I was hoping that a decision would be made to look at this matter without it being overshadowed by the decisions already made. This investigation according to my understanding needed to be independent and take into consideration the whole journey. I mean almost a year has passed now. I knew that I had to confront my past mistakes head-on, to take full responsibility for my actions, and to convey the depth of my remorse and the sincerity of my efforts to make amends. I was prepared to answer tough questions and to provide concrete evidence of the work I had done to address the concerns raised about my fitness to practice.

As the meeting unfolded, I was shocked to realise that the purpose of the meeting was to inform me that this matter was to be referred to panel. I found myself drawing strength from the very experiences that had brought me to this point. In my mind I was clear and candid about the lessons I had learned from my legal and professional challenges, the insights I had gained through self- reflection and the guidance of mentors, and the steps I had taken to rebuild trust and demonstrate my commitment to ethical conduct.

I have planned the courses I wanted to take and had completed two courses. There was a third course planned for May. What really concerns me is that the university had suspended me now for 8 months without assigning me a mentor or giving me guidance to see how I am investing my time. This is the time that support is needed, and help should be guided. However, I am glad for my life coach to helping me through the journey and providing me guidance and support and space to talk and reflect. The ongoing support and accountability measure I had put in place to ensure that I am always striving to meet the highest standards of professionalism kept me going and steadily firm on this journey. I speak with my life coach about the transformative power of empathy, the importance of transparency and honesty, and my unwavering dedication to becoming a healthcare professional who has the highest degree of probity and accountability.

As I left the meeting, I felt abandoned and without real guidance and so many questions not answered. Why has this taken so long and if a decision on day one to take this to panel why was this not acted upon. However, in my reflections the inner strength to face whatever challenges lay ahead and to be resilient despite all obstacles and to take ownership of my own actions, plans and future will always keep me holding on to hope. In the weeks since the meeting, I have continued to reflect on the lessons learned and to apply them in my daily life. I have redoubled my efforts to engage with the community, to seek out opportunities for growth and learning, and to surround myself with positive influences and mentors who challenge me to be my best self.

I know that the journey of redemption and personal growth is a lifelong one, and I am committed to staying the course, no matter what obstacles may arise. I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead, and I am confident that with hard work, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to ethical practice, I can become the kind of dental professional that patients deserve. To all those who have supported me along the way - my family, friends, mentors, and the wider healthcare community - I offer my deepest gratitude. Your belief in me and your encouragement have been a constant source of strength and inspiration, and I will continue to draw upon them as I move forward on this path.

And to those who may be facing their own challenges and setbacks, I offer this message of hope: no matter how far you may have fallen, no matter how daunting the road ahead may seem, there is always the possibility of redemption, of growth, and of positive change. With courage, humility, and a commitment to doing what is right, anything is possible. Thank you for being a part of this journey with me. I look forward to sharing more updates and reflections as I continue this path of personal and professional growth.