Stitch by Stitch

By Tala Abedalqader

I’ve always found a certain sense of purpose in using my hands. Whether it’s an embroidery thread sliding through fabric or suture material passing through layers of skin, I found that there’s a rhythm and purpose that drives me. Whether it’s art or surgery, my hands are driven by the same intention – to create and repair.

Crocheting, embroidery, and sketching were creative outlets I picked up in medical school that gave me a sense of peace and the opportunity to relieve stress. As I grew more interested in surgery, I started to notice how these hobbies weren’t just therapeutic, but they were also shaping my skills in meaningful ways. The dexterity I harbored from manipulating threaded needles and hooks granted me with fine motor skills that I would use, first in simulation, then in the operating room. Similarly, sketching proved to be an excellent and highly useful skill in learning, allowing me to visualize structures and minute details of essential anatomy.

When my hands weren’t moving, I read. Stories became my compass and reminded me why I chose this path. Reading about inspiring characters who overcame obstacles and persisted, whether fiction or real-life, grounded me when my journey felt uncertain. They reminded me that setbacks are part of the story, not the end of it. That mindset became critical when I went unmatched in my first cycle.

That was a painful truth to sit with. For a while, everything felt uncertain. But I also knew this wasn’t a defeat. It was a pause, a moment to breathe, reflect, and keep going. I chose not to view it as an ending, but as a detour. Just like a misplaced stitch might offset a pattern, sometimes you have to rethread the needle and adjust your perspective to see the bigger picture again.

In that year, I focused on growth. I took time to reassess — not whether I still wanted to be a surgeon, but how I would become one. I doubled down on my commitment, seeking out hands-on opportunities wherever I could. I continued teaching medical students with renewed passion and found opportunities to contribute to meaningful research. What I gained in that time couldn’t have been learned in a textbook. I found patience. I found clarity. And above all, I found that setbacks don’t erase purpose; they can refine it.

I know that the path ahead is one filled with difficult moments and challenges. However, just as I am slowly training my hands to create art, I will certainly gain more surety as a surgery trainee. Stitch by stitch, my aspirations, similar to so many others on the same path, will be realized.

About the Author

Tala Abedalqader is an international medical graduate from Saudi Arabia and an upcoming general surgery preliminary PGY-1 resident at Cleveland Clinic. She is particularly passionate about medical education and has previously held a position as a teaching assistant at her university. She is committed to mentoring and contributing to the learning of the upcoming generation of medical students.