Lonely table just for one, at a restaurant in Winterfell.
How I got here is a long story I had always known that my research might amount to something. A decade ago, I had this wild idea – what if we can create a medical device out of my research work? I dismissed it at the time. I was too busy feeding my ego.
When my world imploded, I thought to myself: why not? A side gig would be nice. I was fortunate to run into some amazing people and we founded a company. Slowly, we grew, and started to gain momentum. We raised funds, hired people, and made a product. The side gig took a life of its own, and it breathed life into me. I started enjoying waking up in the morning. Heading out to accomplish something where the end result was both unknown and uncertain was invigorating!
Soon enough, I needed to – no – I wanted to spend more time at the company, and less time at the hospital. I applied for a sabbatical, which I was assured would be approved until it got rejected. I got creative and hired junior staff and medical extenders who made it possible for me to dedicate time to the company. My income tanked, but my happiness soared. I started dreaming and learning again.
The startup also breathed life to my academic career. We needed a clinical trial for our product, so I launched a multi-centre study at 14 institutions. Why not? Go big or go home.
So here I am, on the evening of our first site initiation visit for the trial, having dinner with my journal, at a lonely table in Winterfell.
Who would’ve thought, Medicine could be such a wonderful side gig.
B. Nerdicus
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