Left in the lurch: a junior doctor's scathing critique of the Nigerian healthcare system.

This reflective article examines the profound challenges faced by junior doctors in Nigeria, focusing on the pervasive lack of support from senior colleagues and the systemic failures within the healthcare system. Drawing from personal experiences, the narrative highlights how newly qualified doctors are often "left in the lurch", thrust into demanding roles with insufficient guidance, training, and resources. The consequences of this abandonment are explored, not only in terms of the personal and professional toll on junior doctors but also in the broader context of patient care and the overall efficacy of the healthcare system. The article concludes with a call for urgent reforms to address these critical issues, advocating for a more supportive and sustainable environment for the next generation of medical professionals in Nigeria.