Dr Loreen Sharma
Graduating with a Master’s in Anaesthesia is a major academic milestone, but for Dr Loreen Sharma, it represents something far deeper than a qualification. It is a testament to resilience, sacrifice, and the unwavering support of family, colleagues, and mentors who refused to let her give up when the journey felt overwhelming.
“There were times when walking away seemed easier,” Dr Sharma reflected. “Working full-time at Fiji’s largest and busiest hospital meant long hours, frequent on-calls, and the responsibility of caring for critically ill patients.”
Balancing the demands of full-time clinical work with postgraduate study was an immense challenge. After exhausting hospital shifts, Dr Sharma would return home to continue studying, often attending early morning tutorials following long nights on call, completing assignments, and working on research late into the night.
Beyond her professional and academic responsibilities, she was also navigating the equally important roles of mother, wife and daughter.
“My son, Chirag Autar, was only three years old when I started my studies,” she said. “Countless mornings I left before he woke, and many nights I returned home after he had gone to bed. Yet his little face was my source of strength. He reminded me why I had to keep going.”
Her husband, Mr Sashi Autar, also made significant personal sacrifices to support her journey.
“He left his career in Australia to stand by me,” Dr Sharma said. “He cared for Chirag, supported my studies, and made it possible for me to continue when everything felt too heavy.”
Dr Sharma credits her parents, lecturers, and colleagues for helping her persevere through the most difficult moments.
“I am profoundly grateful to my parents, whose prayers carried me through,” she said. “My lecturers at Fiji National University pushed me forward when I was ready to quit, and my friends at work helped me navigate the pressures of a demanding hospital environment.”
Her academic journey has been one she has completed entirely at the Fiji National University, progressing from her MBBS to a Postgraduate Diploma in Anaesthesia and now a Master’s in Anaesthesia.
“I am deeply thankful to FNU for providing this opportunity for learning, growth, and professional development,” Dr Sharma said.
Reflecting on graduation, she emphasised that the achievement does not belong to her alone.
“This degree is not mine alone,” she said. “It belongs to Chirag, to Sashi, to my parents, to my mentors and friends – all of whom carried me when the road became too heavy.”
Dr Sharma with her husband Sashi, and son Chirag
Looking ahead, Dr Sharma will continue her training in anaesthetics in Melbourne, Australia, viewing this next step not as a conclusion, but as part of a larger purpose.
“This is not an end,” she said. “It is a continuation of the same goal – to grow, to learn, and to return home better equipped to serve my people and strengthen Fiji’s healthcare system.”
For Dr Sharma, graduation represents more than the completion of a degree. It is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through love, sacrifice, and shared belief.
“Sometimes, when we cannot carry the dream ourselves,” she said, “the people who believe in us will carry it for us until we can stand again.”