OVERVIEW
ABOUT STARTING STRONG
Starting Strong is a monthly mentorship and capacity-building program designed to equip young doctors with the knowledge, skills, and insights they need to navigate their careers successfully. Our mission is to expose these early-career medical professionals to a wide range of career pathways, helping them navigate their professional journeys with clarity and confidence.Each session features seasoned professionals sharing practical guidance on diverse career pathways, financial literacy, work-life balance, and more.
THE PROBLEM
The transition from medical school to professional life is one of the most challenging phases in a young doctor’s journey. Many graduate with academic excellence but find themselves unprepared for the realities of the medical profession.
•Career Uncertainty: While medical school provides clinical knowledge, it often does not equip young doctors with the clarity needed to navigate various career pathways, both within and outside traditional clinical practice. Many struggle to identify where they fit best in the ever-evolving landscape of medicine.
•Workplace Challenges & Burnout: The early years of medical practice come with long hours, high patient loads, and significant emotional and physical stress. Without proper guidance, many young doctors experience burnout, disillusionment, and, in some cases, even a desire to leave the profession entirely.
•Financial Illiteracy: Despite years of rigorous education, many young doctors enter the workforce without a clear understanding of personal finance, investments, and wealth management. Poor financial decisions in the early years can have long-term consequences, leaving doctors trapped in cycles of debt and financial instability.
•Faith & Ethical Dilemmas: For Christian doctors, maintaining a strong spiritual life while navigating the pressures of the medical profession can be difficult. Ethical dilemmas, workplace expectations, and societal pressures often make it challenging to integrate faith into professional life. Many feel isolated in their beliefs, unsure of how to stand as a Christian witness in their practice.
•Lack of Mentorship & Community: Many young doctors struggle with feelings of loneliness and uncertainty due to a lack of structured mentorship and a supportive community. They yearn for guidance from experienced professionals who have walked the path before them, but such relationships can be difficult to find.
THE VISION
Starting Strong 2.0 was birthed to bridge this gap and provide young doctors with the tools, support, and community they need to thrive. Under the auspices of the Christian Medical and Dental Association of Nigeria (CMDA Nigeria), this program aims to equip young doctors to become competent professionals, wise decision-makers, financially literate individuals, and strong Christian witnesses in their respective fields.
Our vision is rooted in 1 Thessalonians 5:23b, which affirms that God created man—spirit, soul, and body. As Christian doctors, we are called not only to provide medical care but also to minister to the whole person.
Through monthly mentorship sessions, expert-led discussions, and real-life testimonies, Starting Strong aims to:
•Guide young doctors in making informed career decisions by exposing them to diverse opportunities within and beyond clinical medicine.
•Equip them with financial literacy skills so they can manage their income wisely, invest early, and build sustainable financial futures.
•Promote work-life balance and mental wellness by providing practical strategies to prevent burnout and maintain a fulfilling professional and personal life.
•Strengthen Christian identity in medical practice by addressing ethical concerns, workplace challenges, and ways to be a light in the profession.
•Foster a strong mentorship culture where young doctors can learn from experienced professionals and be part of a supportive network that encourages growth, resilience, and purpose-driven living.
Starting Strong is more than a program—it is a movement that seeks to raise a generation of doctors who are spiritually strong, professionally excellent, financially stable, and committed to making a difference in every community they serve.
Through this initiative, we envision a future where every young doctor in Nigeria and beyond steps into their career with clarity, confidence, and purpose—ready to serve, shine, and transform lives.
Testimonials
"Before attending the financial literacy edition, I thought my salary as a young doctor wasn’t enough to save or invest. But the session completely changed my mindset. I learned simple yet powerful strategies for budgeting, saving, and even making smart investments. Just few days later, I’ve started an emergency fund and made my first investment. I feel so much more in control of my finances now!"
Dr. B
House Officer, LUTH
"Burnout was hitting me hard, and I didn’t even realize it. The session on self-care and mental wellness was a wake-up call. It wasn’t just talk—practical strategies like time-blocking, setting boundaries, and finding small joys in daily routines helped me turn things around. I’ve since prioritized my well-being without feeling guilty, and my productivity has actually improved."
Dr. C
Resident Doctor, COOUTH
"The Starting Strong sessions are not just informative; they are transformational. I used to feel isolated as a young doctor trying to figure things out. But being in a community of like-minded doctors, learning from people who have walked this path, and getting real-life advice has been a game-changer. It’s a monthly reset that keeps me motivated and on track."
Dr. E
NYSC Doctor, Benue State.
WATCH PREVIOUS SERIES
Money Matters: Financial Literacy
Have you been earning money, but no evidence of savings or investments? Do you have a plan for the future, including retirement? Solutions to the above questions include Medical insurance and managing debts, which our speaker, Prof. Chima Onoka, would be addressing in March’s Webinar titled ‘Money Matters: Financial Literacy for Young Doctors’. For questions, comments, and/or support, please send an email to: [email protected]
