You were in medical school when you had your stroke. What happened?
It was a Sunday afternoon. I had run a 10K race in the morning and was spending the afternoon with my parents and two brothers. I was in my parents' garden, and I suddenly felt dizzy. The sensation intensified, and I felt like I couldn't breathe. Then I couldn't move my arms and legs or speak. My family realized something was wrong and called 911.

Did you realize you were having a stroke?
I remember a moment when I was lying in the ambulance, and my father and the paramedic were talking about possible causes. My father told her that I had said I couldn't breathe, so they initially thought it was my heart. In medical school, we were taught that “time is brain” [brain damage is more likely the longer treatment is delayed], but I couldn't speak to say I thought it might be a stroke. The paramedic realized I needed a CT scan and took me to a comprehensive stroke unit, where a scan revealed an arterial dissection [a tear in the artery lining].

How were you treated?
My doctors initially planned an MRI, but when I experienced intense facial pain and exhibited a particular eye movement and my blood pressure dropped—signs that crucial brain areas were at risk—the neurologist ordered a thrombectomy [an intervention to remove a blood clot from an artery—in this case in the brainstem].

What has your recovery been like?
My thrombectomy was a complete success. I could move and speak almost immediately afterward. I could hardly believe it. My symptoms had felt so serious and threatening and permanent. The moment of realizing I could do everything again was incredible.

Do you have any lingering symptoms?
I had vertigo at the beginning. I was also tired, and anxious that I might have another stroke. I went to a rehabilitation hospital for a month, where I worked hard to regain my strength. For the first year, I needed more sleep and struggled to find a balance between being active and resting. One of the longest parts of my recovery was regaining a healthy perception of myself. At first the stroke defined me, but with the help of family and friends I was able to let it be a part of my past without defining me.

Are you a different kind of physician because of your stroke?
You can be a great doctor without having had a stroke, but my experience makes me very dedicated. When I was a patient, I appreciated doctors spending extra time talking with me, so I try to do the same with my patients. I also understand how difficult the initial weeks after a stroke can be and the frustratingly slow pace of recovery. I know how much energy it takes to get back to prestroke health. I understand the worries about the future. I asked myself questions like “Will I be able to continue my career?” “Will I be permanently disabled?” and “Will it happen again?”

What are some lessons you've learned?
I enjoy life more because of my stroke. Even small moments feel quite meaningful. I'm also extremely grateful that I was able to have a thrombectomy. My life would not be the same otherwise. Having a stroke forced me to slow down and gave me time to grow closer to people. It also taught me about patience. I accept it when things take longer than I want them to. It's been seven years since my stroke—I was 25 when it happened—and all my tests are normal. The stroke is part of me and has given me insights that I hope will stay with me and that I can pass along to my patients.