Physician’s Memoir Sheds Light on the Unspoken Realities of Medical Training

A newly released memoir by Hawaii-based physician Dr. Mel Ona is sparking dialogue around the emotional and institutional challenges often left unspoken in medical training. Fail It Till You Make It offers a candid and deeply personal account of one doctors nonlinear journey into medicineand the internal reckoning that shaped his path.

The book details Dr. Ona's long battle to get into medical school, during which he faced numerous rejections despite hisstellar academic record and undying dedication to the cause. Prior to enrolling in a medical program overseas, he worked his way through multiple graduate degrees, worked in research, and battled with persistent self-doubt.

The narrative goes beyond the usual success story by telling its story in chronological order and adding thematic insights. Issues such as toxic mentoring, high-stakes performance expectations, and impostor syndrome are discussed. Dr. Ona shows from personal experience how times of uncertainty and setbacks can become critical places for personal development and growth.

The release comes as medical professionals are focusing more on the health of their trainees and students. Aspiring healthcare professionals nationwide still face persistent challenges, including burnout, underrepresentation, and mental health issues. In that context, Fail It Till You Make It offers a rare and honest look at the quieter, often overlooked realities shaping medical careers.

The story of Dr. Ona adds to the larger discussion about the qualities that make a doctor by centering on the importance of persistence, mentorship, and community. It questions the idea that tests and certifications are the only measures of success and instead stresses the importance of being vulnerable, reflecting, and connected with others.

About the Author:

Dr. Mel Ona is a board-certified gastroenterologist and advanced endoscopist. He serves as a clinical assistant professor of medicine and practices in Hawaii, where he also mentors medical students and early-career physicians. Before entering medical school, he completed graduate degrees in public health, nutritional biochemistry, and medical sciences. His work emphasizes compassionate care, equity in education, and the importance of acknowledging complexity in professional development.

Contact:

Author: Dr. Mel Ona
Website: https://drmelona.com/