This physician is on her way to practicing medicine abroad

NAME: ASHWINI BAPAT, M.D.

EDUCATION

UNDERGRADUATE: MCGILL UNIVERSITY, CANADA MEDICAL SCHOOL: TUFTS UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

RESIDENCY: YALE-NEW HAVEN HOSPITAL

Ashwini Bapat, M.D., is in the process of getting her medical degree and documentation in Portugal . In the meantime, she maintained her U.S. medical requirements and started two companies.

As cofounder and CEO of EpioneMD (epionemd.com), she counsels the aging, ill and their caretakers navigating medical care. She also cofounded Hippocratic Adventures (hippocraticadventures.com), which empowers American- trained physicians with knowledge, job opportunities and the personalized guidance they need to practice abroad.

What inspired you to work abroad

I’m living my dream life. Prior to moving abroad, I spent a lot of time within academic medicine. There were very clear paths you could take. In moving abroad, I was able to create my own path. I had the space to dream and think differently. Because of that, I’ve been able to launch two companies. So, I think what I love most is having the freedom to create.

What’s the most challenging part?

When we moved abroad, I had two children under age 5. Not having family around to help with them has been difficult. When my husband and I both came down with the flu, it was a disaster. We have a babysitter that we have a great relationship with, but sometimes she is not as available as family would be. So, that’s been rough.

What has surprised you about living abroad?

The most profound was that it really changed my identity and how I saw myself. In the U.S., nearly every single social interaction I had, such as a birthday party, the first thing I was asked is, “What do you do for work?” In Portugal, in the three years I lived here, no one has asked me what I do for work, and we’ve been to many birthday parties. It may come up in a conversation, but nothing that anyone here has directly asked me about. The other thing that has surprised me, not as profound, is how much I missed my drying machine. They aren’t as common here. You have to put your clothes out to dry on a clothesline. I like my clothes fluffy and warm versus stiff and damp.

What’s your advice for physicians who wish to practice abroad?

Take the time to step back and give yourself the space to dream. Think about what you are looking for in your life, your lifestyle and if you have a family. When you start thinking about if you can move abroad, it’s scary. A lot of people you may go to for advice or mentorship may tell you it’s impossible or you can’t do it or even that your career would be over. People did actually tell me that in the process.

When I left the traditional path and moved abroad, there were not many colleagues on this same path as me. That was hard, but I ended up finding new people. I reached out to physicians who moved abroad and who did something different with their medical careers, and that really helped. Whether it’s having conversations with other physicians, listening to podcasts or joining a community, I think finding like-minded people can definitely be a great source of support.

What steps should a physician take if they’re interested in practicing abroad?

Join the Hippocratic Adventures. It’s not because I’m a part of it, but because it’s the “go-to” for physicians looking to move abroad. It’s a community of more than 7,500 physicians who already are abroad or are dreaming of moving abroad.

Anything else you wish to add?

Not every physician is going to want to move abroad. However, I want physicians to explore options, not feel stuck, and instead feel empowered. If you love where you are and what you are doing, that’s great. Be sure you are actively choosing that life and not being passive. •