𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗭𝗼𝗻𝗲

𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗭𝗼𝗻𝗲

By Dr. Shane Malitha Halpe

A Sudden Shift in Plans

I still remember the day I chose Jaffna.

At the time, Family Medicine was a newly emerging discipline in Sri Lanka, and accredited training centers were few and far between. To make matters more complicated, two of the three centers near Colombo were abruptly removed from the list due to a technicality. It caused a wave of uncertainty among many trainees, narrowing our options overnight.

What felt like a setback for most, I saw as a challenge—and a chance.

---

Choosing the Unfamiliar

When I heard that a Senior Registrar had begun training in Jaffna, it sparked something within me. During selection day, while many clung to the hope of remaining near Colombo, I made a different choice. I opted for Jaffna—400 kilometers away from the familiarity of home, friends, and even language.

My colleagues were surprised. “Why Jaffna?” they asked, some even feeling sorry for me. I didn’t speak a word of Tamil, had never lived that far from home, and couldn’t even cook a basic meal.

But deep down, I knew I was ready to grow.

---

The Long Journey North

It was Easter Sunday in 2024, when I left Katugastota, where I had just completed my last posting, and headed north. The vehicle was packed to the brim—with bags, books, and even my bicycle.

In Jaffna, I moved into a small hostel near the university, sharing space with a senior colleague. It wasn’t luxurious by any means, but it marked the start of something remarkable.

---

Baptism by Fire (and Sun)

In the morning, I cycled to the Family Health Centre in Kondavil, under the relentless northern sun. The heat was unforgiving, but the sea breeze carried some relief. My supervisor—firm, punctual, and no-nonsense—believed in tough training to ensure smooth exams. His motto: "Training should be hard, so the exam is easy." In time, I saw the truth in those words.

We saw patients in clinics, went on home visits, taught medical students, and engaged in field work. Despite the intensity, I found a rhythm. I began to adapt. Slowly, Jaffna stopped being foreign and started feeling like purpose.

---

Discovering Myself in the North

What began as a reluctant assignment became a rediscovery of self.

I forged new friendships, immersed myself in the culture of the north, and began writing—something I hadn’t done in years. I published my reflections, presented my work at the WONCA academic sessions, and even addressed the Sri Lanka Medical Association. I saw myself differently, not just as a trainee, but as a contributor to the field of Family Medicine.

When I passed the MD in Family Medicine, I realized that this journey had transformed me.

---

Return to Jaffna—By Choice

Now, as a Senior Registrar, I’ve chosen to return to Jaffna, this time with a few fellow colleagues. Once again, I heard the familiar surprise: “Why go there again, bro? Colombo is easier!” Some teased, “You’re single—maybe that’s why!”

Yes, perhaps being unattached made it easier. But the truth? I felt I still had something to give—and something to learn.

---

Hard Roads, Strong Spirits

This second phase had its own challenges. No fan. No air conditioning. No water supply in the hostel. Traveling was expensive, and I missed the comfort of home-cooked meals, a cool room, and neatly washed clothes and even water to drink . But strangely, I felt content. I found great places to eat to nutritious and healthy meals for surprisingly cheap places. Got myself a fan from a local electronics store which cooled me down. Got into the habit of washing my clothes with washing powder and a bucket of water. Also found places to which provide filtered drinking water 1 litre for Rupees - which helped me realise the value of good drinking water. 

I felt peace. I felt strength.

I had developed something I never truly understood before—resilience.

---

From Struggle to Strength

As I continue my journey toward becoming a specialist, I reflect often on the choices that brought me here. In a world obsessed with convenience and comfort, I’m grateful I chose discomfort—because that’s where I grew the most.

I’m reminded of Nelson Mandela, who endured 27 years of imprisonment before leading a nation to freedom. That image reminds me: greatness often grows in the soil of adversity.

And so I write this today, not just as a doctor, but as someone who chose the long road, the hot sun, the hard days—and found a deeper joy on the other side.

---

Have you ever stepped out of your comfort zone and discovered a part of yourself you didn’t know existed? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

📍 #FamilyMedicine #JaffnaJourney #MedicalReflections #OutOfComfortZone #SriLankaHealthcare