Muslim Women in Medicine: Balancing Faith and Career

Salaam alaikum, sisters! I'm starting a health degree this fall and seriously considering becoming a doctor, in sha' Allah. I wear niqab and try to lower my gaze, and I'm trying to figure out how that works in the real world of medical training before I jump in completely. I’d love to hear from any sisters who’ve been through this: - Has anyone worn niqab through labs, rotations, or when seeing patients? How did people react-was there pushback, or was it easier than you thought? - How do you handle situations where you need to examine or work closely with male patients or colleagues while keeping proper boundaries? - Are there specialties or paths where you can mostly work with other women, or is that just wishful thinking? - For sisters who made it through, did you have to compromise on covering, lowering your gaze, or gender rules, or is it truly possible to stay firm? - Any tips for someone just starting premed on how to plan ahead so I don’t hit unexpected problems later? Jazakum Allahu khayran for any real experiences-I need advice from those who’ve lived it, not just theory.