Retaliation Tried to Silence Me — and Built My Team Instead

Bon Secours and Sun Life found out: I’m not alone.

I didn’t know how I was going to make it through.

After months of gaslighting, retaliation, and watching my identity as a physician be stripped away by institutions that once claimed to support me, I wasn’t sure what would be left.

But something unexpected happened.

I kept showing up.

And so did the people — and pets — who saw me, held me, helped me breathe, and made sure I didn’t disappear.

What they thought was isolation became foundation.

What they hoped would break me became the spark for a team, a platform, a movement — and a return to myself.

This isn’t just about surviving workplace trauma.

It’s about what happens when you’re not alone anymore.

🟡 I Wasn’t Alone

When the retaliation escalated — when my mental health spiraled and the weight of surviving broken systems became overwhelming — I truly believed I might not make it through.

But I did.

Not because of one moment.

Because of a web of people, places, and even paws that carried me — sometimes quietly, sometimes firmly — back to myself.

🏥 Work & Purpose

I’m working again.

Not at the place that broke me — but somewhere that sees me.

Alivio Pain Management called when I didn’t know what was next. And now I’m back doing what I love, in a setting that feels safe.

Soon, I’ll also be returning to TBI evaluations for veterans — work I’ve always been proud of. Not just because I know the medicine, but because I understand the injury.

🧠 Healing & Recovery

I didn’t think I needed IOP.

Honestly? I resisted it.

I wasn’t always the easiest patient.

But Pathlight IOP helped me learn how to ride the storm instead of being swallowed by it. It gave me language. Boundaries. And the quiet understanding that I wasn’t alone in being harmed at work.

I left after two months stronger — not because it erased what happened, but because it gave me tools for what comes next.

👨🏾‍⚖️ Family & Foundation

My dad — who knows court margins like scripture — reviewed my pro se filings like a Supreme Court law clerk.

My mom — the soft place I could land — held space when I couldn’t hold myself.

My sister — present, listening, anchoring me to the truth of my experience — never once turned away.

🐾 The Ones Who Stayed

Luke, my “emotional support project,” wasn’t just reacting to me — he was reflecting me. We had both been dropped, forgotten, pushed too far. Taking care of him meant I had to take care of myself.

Lucky, the cat who knew when I couldn’t speak, climbed into my lap and said, “I’ve got you.”

And he did.

🛠️ Team Phoenix

Bailee believed in Phoenix Advocacy Network when it was just a folder. She took it seriously and helped give it shape, clarity, and a platform.

Crystal became my everything-assistant — paralegal, house helper, emotional reinforcer, and constant reminder that I don’t have to do everything alone.

And you — yes, you reading this — you’re part of it now too.

🧾 They Thought I Was Alone

They thought I was just a burned-out physician with PTSD.

An easy target.

A contract.

A silence they could buy.

What they didn’t realize is this:

I have people.

I have pets.

I have purpose.

I have paperwork.

I have me.

And we’re all still standing.

Call to Action

If retaliation tried to isolate you — know this: isolation is the lie that keeps systems in power.

If you’re surviving workplace trauma, disability denial, or retaliation, you don’t have to do it alone.

👉 Follow and support Phoenix Advocacy Network

👉 Share this story with someone who feels isolated

👉 Build your team — people, professionals, pets, purpose — whatever keeps you grounded

Because when institutions try to silence one voice, community is how we answer back.

And we are louder together.