The pure agony of having to give up one's freedom of religion and conscience as a doctor

As a child, I had always dreamed of becoming a doctor. But as I grew older, I began to realize the weight of that dream. It was a calling that demanded more than just a passion for healing; it required a commitment to doing what was right, even when it was difficult.<br><br>I took that commitment seriously, and I worked tirelessly to hone my skills and build a career that would allow me to make a difference in the lives of others. But as I navigated the world of medicine, I began to see the darker side of that dream. I saw doctors who were forced to perform procedures that went against their personal beliefs, who were expected to set aside their own moral compass in the name of their profession.<br><br>And I knew that I couldn't do that. I couldn't give up my freedom of religion and conscience, no matter how much I loved being a doctor. I couldn't bring myself to perform abortions, or assist in euthanasia. I couldn't compromise on my values, no matter what the cost.<br><br>So I made the difficult decision to leave the medical field. It was a painful choice, one that felt like a failure. But I knew that it was the right one. I couldn't continue to be a doctor if it meant sacrificing my integrity.<br><br>It's a decision that I still grapple with today. I miss the sense of purpose that came with being a doctor, and I mourn the loss of a dream that I once held dear. But I know that I made the right choice. I know that I couldn't have lived with myself if I had continued down a path that felt so wrong.<br><br>And so I'll carry on, finding new ways to make a difference in the world. I'll find new passions, new pursuits that allow me to live my values and make a positive impact. It won't be easy, but it will be worth it. Because in the end, it's not about what we do, but why we do it. And for me, that "why" will always be rooted in my faith, my values, and my freedom of religion and conscience.