Dr. Tolanda Dula, a native of North Carolina, completed her master’s degree in medical science at ECPI University. In addition to her medical background, she is also a licensed Cosmetologist. Initially, Dr. Tolanda pursued cosmetology as a hobby, but soon realized its connection to self-care and its relevance in the medical field. This realization led her to embark on a journey of assisting individuals in taking care of themselves. Unfortunately, her aspirations as a medical doctor were jeopardized when she experienced a devastating car accident, resulting in injuries to her thumb, knee, neck, and back. The accident not only affected her physically but also took a toll on her mental and emotional well-being. In our conversation, Dr. Dula shared her experiences regarding her career and the challenging path toward recovery.

“I am a family practice physician and I care for the entire family. I also, work with internal medicine. I have not picked a specialty at this time because I have juggled the two careers of being a doctor and a cosmetologist. I have gotten exhausted between the two careers, and I am ready to pick a position in North Carolina or outside depending on acceptable openings so I can practice medicine,” stated Dr. Dula.

Dr. Dula has many challenges along the way to becoming a medical doctor. She elaborates on some of them. “I had a divorce it slowed me down quite a bit. I had to take a lot of time to take care of myself during that process. Trying to figure out what I wanted to do or where I wanted to be,” stated Dr. Dula.

Dr. Dula not only experienced a divorce but also endured a dreadful accident. “Around 5 months ago, I was involved in a car accident that significantly impacted my life. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have survived. It was undeniably one of the most traumatic incidents I have ever encountered. For a brief period, I suffered from memory loss and had to undergo rehabilitation. Although I still face some challenges with my back and neck, I am determined to pick up where I left off,” expressed Dr. Dula.

Dr. Dula expressed her deep gratitude for being able to walk away from the accident with all her limbs intact. She emphasized that traumatic life experiences are often overlooked until they happen to us, regardless of our profession or background. Such experiences force us to reflect on our plans and aspirations. Dr. Dula acknowledged that the car accident altered her perspective on studying medicine. “When I do counseling and people tell me about their life experiences or what they are going through you don’t know exactly what to tell them. But summing up the basis of their condition helps them to decide which way they’re going to go. That’s what it boils down to,” stated Dr. Dula.

Dr. Dula remains undeterred by the obstacles that life presents, persisting in her pursuit of her dreams. As she carries on with her medical profession, she also devotes her time to penning her inaugural book. Entitled “Purposely Driven,” this literary work delves into the art of discovering one’s life purpose. Unfortunately, Dr. Dula encountered a setback when her luggage, containing her manuscript, was stolen, compelling her to rewrite her entire book. Nevertheless, she remains resolute in her determination to finish her masterpiece, as she emphatically declared, “I am committed to completing my book.”

Dr. Tolanda Dula’s narrative is a testament to her resilience and perseverance. In her leisure time, she finds solace in honing her culinary skills by experimenting with various recipes and embarking on journeys to her preferred destinations. These expeditions encompass exploring renowned landmarks, delving into the realm of artifacts, immersing herself in diverse cultures, and unraveling the tapestry of history. Additionally, she actively engages in volunteer work and contributes to research endeavors. For further insights into Dr. Tolanda Dula’s accomplishments, you can visit her profile at linkedin.com/in/dr-tolanda-dula-474b26104.